74-year-old man stuns participants, spectators, finishes 10-km race in Okpepke marathon

Sporting activities have been recommended for healthy living. Thus, Paul Dudley White (1886-1973) said: “A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy, but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world.”

The above aptly captured Justus Okon’s participation at the recently concluded Okpepke 10-kilometre race, a fast developing, but hitherto sleepy community in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

Like John F. Kennedy, the famous American said: “Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.”

Okoh, 74 years, did not only participate in the race that spanned through the rigorous hilly town, but also finished to the admiration of all and sundry.

The Ohio, America-based Septugenerian, however, shocked this reporter when he said he had been participating in road races since 2017.

The Chemistry graduate said that he had taken part in the Okpepke race four times, always coming from his base in the United States of America.

But what is the motivation for his participation despite his advanced age, he said: “I am not after the monetary incentive, but apart from exercising my body, I want to serve as motivation for the youths, especially Nigerians.

“I want the Nigerian youths to show more interest in participating in races like this not only for the development of their minds, but also their physical fitness as well.

“If an old man like me can start and finish the race, with obstacles along the path, nothing stops the younger ones from participating. I want to salute the courageous efforts of Mr Mike Itemuagbor, the chief promoter of the race, through his organisation, Padmozi Sports, for the recognition he has brought to this village, Edo State and Nigeria as whole.”

Okoh said that he was a pioneer of the Lagos City Marathon, but hasn’t been available to attend the race because of the timing, saying that he finds it convenient to attending the Okpepke race.

He, however, gave some pieces of advice to the organisers: “I’ll like to appeal to the organisers to improve on the transportation of the athletes in subsequent editions.”