Okpekpe Race Pays Out ₦12m To Nigerian Winners, Boosts Local Athletics
Organisers of the 11th Okpekpe International 10km Road Race have paid a total of ₦12 million in prize money to the top Nigerian finishers, reaffirming the event's commitment to rewarding local athletes promptly.
The prize money, sponsored by Oceanwaves Chief Executive Officer Peter Dunia, was released after the completion of the race in May and the mandatory anti-doping procedures required before payments could be made.
While symbolic cheques were presented immediately after the event, organisers confirmed that the winners have now received their cash prizes.
In both the men's and women's Nigerian categories, the winners received ₦3 million each, runners-up earned ₦2 million, while third-place finishers were awarded ₦1 million each.
Race organisers said the initiative is aimed at recognising outstanding Nigerian athletes and encouraging greater participation in long-distance running. They added that local competitors also receive accommodation and other support during the competition.
The organisers highlighted the steady improvement of Nigerian distance runners, noting that four athletes completed this year's race in under 31 minutes. Raymond Iliya Gyang recorded the best Nigerian performance with a time of 30 minutes and 28 seconds, narrowly missing the 30-minute benchmark.
Race Director Zack Amodu praised the progress made by Nigerian runners and pledged continued support for their development.
"We have seen remarkable improvement in the performances of our elite athletes and will continue to provide the incentives and enabling environment needed for them to excel," Amodu said.
He also commended Peter Dunia and Oceanwaves for sponsoring the prize money, describing the contribution as a significant investment in the future of Nigerian road running.
Amodu further called on more corporate organisations and philanthropists to support athletics, saying increased investment would help Nigerian athletes compete successfully on the global stage, create opportunities for young talents and further develop the sport.
The Okpekpe International 10km Road Race remains the first road race in West Africa to attain World Athletics Label status and the first in the region to have its course measured by a World Athletics-accredited course measurer.
The race also complies with international anti-doping standards, reinforcing its reputation as one of Africa's premier road-running events.
The prize money, sponsored by Oceanwaves Chief Executive Officer Peter Dunia, was released after the completion of the race in May and the mandatory anti-doping procedures required before payments could be made.
While symbolic cheques were presented immediately after the event, organisers confirmed that the winners have now received their cash prizes.
In both the men's and women's Nigerian categories, the winners received ₦3 million each, runners-up earned ₦2 million, while third-place finishers were awarded ₦1 million each.
Race organisers said the initiative is aimed at recognising outstanding Nigerian athletes and encouraging greater participation in long-distance running. They added that local competitors also receive accommodation and other support during the competition.
The organisers highlighted the steady improvement of Nigerian distance runners, noting that four athletes completed this year's race in under 31 minutes. Raymond Iliya Gyang recorded the best Nigerian performance with a time of 30 minutes and 28 seconds, narrowly missing the 30-minute benchmark.
Race Director Zack Amodu praised the progress made by Nigerian runners and pledged continued support for their development.
"We have seen remarkable improvement in the performances of our elite athletes and will continue to provide the incentives and enabling environment needed for them to excel," Amodu said.
He also commended Peter Dunia and Oceanwaves for sponsoring the prize money, describing the contribution as a significant investment in the future of Nigerian road running.
Amodu further called on more corporate organisations and philanthropists to support athletics, saying increased investment would help Nigerian athletes compete successfully on the global stage, create opportunities for young talents and further develop the sport.
The Okpekpe International 10km Road Race remains the first road race in West Africa to attain World Athletics Label status and the first in the region to have its course measured by a World Athletics-accredited course measurer.
The race also complies with international anti-doping standards, reinforcing its reputation as one of Africa's premier road-running events.
