WITH the 35th Virgin Money London Marathon in the books,the world focus now shifted to the Okpekpe international 10km road race as the next in the calendar of International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) label races.
The event, the only IAAF bronze label race in Africa for 2016 had attracted a strong field of elite athletes racing for the $15,000 top prize money on offer for the respective male and female winners.
Spokesman for the race, Dare Esan was delighted Nigeria, through the Okpekpe race is now attracting the attention of the world.
“I am delighted to be a Nigerian and delighted to be involved in this race which has placed Okpekpe in particular and Nigeria in general in the consciousness of the whole world, especially the athletics community,” said Esan who is convinced a better view of Nigeria has been engendered by the race.
‘Many across the world on Sunday saw how Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya produced an awe-inspiring marathon performance to defend his Virgin Money London Marathon title in 2:03:04, just seven seconds off countryman Dennis Kimetto’s world record.
‘After the event,the 35th in the calendar of IAAF label road races in 2016, attention is now on the 36th race, the Okpekpe international 10km road race.