Organisers promise more quality cast as Okpekpe Race gets silver label

Organisers of the annual Okpekpe Race have promised to continue to ensure that only the best runners grace the event, which was recently conferred with the silver label by International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

IAAF Road Running Manager, Alessio Ponzi recently conveyed Okpekpe Race’s elevation to the promoter of the race, Mike Itemuagbor.

In a mail to Itemuagbor, Ponzi said: “Following a thorough review of your application; in recognition of the role played by your event for the promotion of elite road racing in your region, and of your efforts towards the improvement of the technical aspects of the event, the IAAF is happy to inform you that the Okpekpe Road Race 10KM is upgraded to IAAF Silver Label status for 2018.”

Speaking on the development, Okpekpe Road Race Media Director, Dare Esan said, “We are delighted the IAAF has recognised our leading role in promoting road running in Nigeria and the West African sub-region. The Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has set the pace for other road races in Nigeria nay West Africa.

“We are the first road race in West Africa to be designated by the IAAF as one of the leading road races around the world since the classification was introduced in 2008. For three years since 2015 the race was organised under the prestigious IAAF Road Race Bronze Label and now we are the first road race to be granted a silver label status in West Africa.”

He revealed the official Label certificate signed by the IAAF president, Lord Sebastian Coe has been received by the organisers of the race.