Okpekpe Race Pays Out N12m To Nigerian Winners, Strengthens Support For Local Athletes

Organisers of the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race have confirmed payment of prize money to Nigerian winners of the 11th edition of the event, reinforcing the race’s reputation for promptly rewarding athletes in a country where delayed prize payments have often been a source of concern.

The prize money, sponsored by security expert and Oceanwaves Chief Executive Officer, Peter Dunia, was disbursed following the successful completion of the race in May and the mandatory international anti-doping procedures required before prize payments could be finalised.

Dunia had presented symbolic cheques to the winners immediately after the race, while organisers announced that the actual payments had now been completed.

A total of N3 million was awarded to the winner in each of the men’s and women’s Nigerian categories, with N2 million going to the runners-up and N1 million to the third-placed finishers.

The organisers said the announcement was made to recognise the achievements of Nigerian athletes and reaffirm their commitment to supporting home-grown talent.

They noted that Nigerian runners are not only provided with accommodation during the competition but are also given recognition throughout the event in a bid to encourage greater participation and improved performances.

The organisers also highlighted the steady progress made by Nigerian distance runners, noting that four athletes ran under 31 minutes at this year’s race.

Raymond Iliya Gyang produced the standout performance, clocking 30 minutes 28 seconds, just 28 seconds outside the coveted 30-minute mark.

Okpekpe Race Director, Zack Amodu, expressed satisfaction with the improvement in the standard of Nigerian athletes and pledged continued support for their development.

“We have noticed the significant improvement in the performances of Nigerian elite athletes and will continue to provide the enabling environment and rewards to encourage them,” Amodu said.

He commended Dunia and Oceanwaves for sponsoring the prize money, describing the gesture as a major boost for Nigerian road running.

“Peter Dunia has demonstrated that his company is not only helping to secure Nigeria but also helping to secure the future of Nigerian road runners,” he added.

Amodu also urged more corporate organisations and philanthropists to invest in athletics, saying increased support would enable Nigerian athletes to compete more effectively on the international stage, create employment opportunities and inspire more young people to embrace sport.

The Okpekpe International 10km Road Race remains a trailblazer in African athletics as the first road race in West Africa to earn World Athletics Label status and the first in the region to have its course measured by a World Athletics-accredited course measurer. The event also complies with international anti-doping regulations, cementing its status as one of Africa’s leading road races.