Edo set to stage 9th Okpekpe 10km road race

The Organisers of the Annual Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has said the 9th edition of the international competition would hold on May 27, 2023 at Okpekpe in Etsako West local government area of Edo.

The state deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, who disclosed this in Benin City revealed that the 2023 edition would be ran on Gold Label and for two purposes – prize and to create awareness for Cancer and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Shaibu expressed satisfaction that the Okpekpe road race is kept alive, adding that “we are getting closer to our target to make the race diamond label”.

According to him, “2023 race will be on gold label as we put in our best to make the race the best in the World. I will not be participating for a prize but I will be running for a course which is to create awareness for cancer.

“Apart from running for a prize, you can run for a course. I encourage those that cannot run for the prize to run for a course to encourage people to go for cancer screening and HIV testing for early detection.

“We have gone beyond the race as we have also brought in students to use sports sharpen their knowledge and reduced social vices in the society.”

Shaibu, however, assured the athletes of adequate security throughout the duration of the event.

The chairman Sports Marketing Organiser, Mike Itamuagbor said: “The road race this year have added few innovations as we would be partnering with Edo state university where about 200 students will work as volunteers for the game in the area of accommodation, medicals and media”.