Ethiopian athletes dominate Okpekpe Road Race
Ethiopian athletes Luel Gebrasilasis and Azmera Gebru have emerged winners in the male and female elites categories respectively of the 10 kilometer Okpekpe International Road Race held in Edo State.
More than a thousand athletes including 15 foreigners participated in the 2017 IAAF bronze label Okpekpe race.
Gebrasilasis emerged first in 29:28 seconds ahead of compatriots Dawit Fikadi and Jemeli Bekeli who were second and third in 29:34 seconds and 32:22 seconds respectively.
In the female category, Azmera Gebru coast to victory in 33 minutes, 59 seconds while Kenya’s duo of Veronica Maina and Jibili Alice came second and third in 34:19 seconds and 34:39 seconds respectively.
In the elites category, winners take home $15,000, $10,000, $7,000 respectively.
The fastest Nigeria athletes Jigade Monday from Plateau State coasted to victory in 31:59 seconds. He was followed by Emanuel Gyan who finish in 32:18 minutes and Ismaila Sajor who was third in 38:55 seconds.
In the female category Deborah Pam finish in 38 minutes 15 seconds and was closely followed by Elizabeth Nuhu in 38 minutes 41 seconds while and Rose Akusho emerged third in 38 minutes 55 seconds.
In this category, first position takes home N250,000, second N100,000 and third N80,000 respectively.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, said he would create a spot commission backed by law that would galvanise the state athletes for effective performance in sport competitions.