Ethiopians scoop Obudu Mountain dollars
By Ben Efe
Abebe Dinkesa led an onslaught of an Ethiopian conquest of the 11km up hill Obudu Mountain Challenge last Saturday at the Obudu Moutain Resort in Cross River state.
Dikensa who was champion in 2008 returned to limelight as he convincingly won the race edging defending champion and compatriot, Fidaka Awasah to the second spot, while Kenyan John Sampol Manangat came third. Awasah had led the race up to 1km to the finish line when Dikensa took over procedings, he coasted home to a strong finish returning 42.21 seconds to win the 50, 000 dollars at stake.
Awasah clokced 42.47 seconds, a far cry from his course record of 42.03. he settled for the 20, 000 dollars, while Manangat finished at 42.57 to pocket the 9,000 dollars on offer.
Shortly afterwards the women rolled in and it was Ethiopian Meselech Haileyesus that was in command. She establised an early lead, which she hanged on to set a new course record of 48.56 seconds, compatriots Diska Mamitu and Yelawi Kas finished second and third with 49.04 and 52.05 respectively.
Homeboy Cletus Eyo and Janet Dung were the first Nigerians to finish the race and they their reward was a 2000 dollars purse money.
Speaking during the presentation of prizes, Cross River governor, Liyel Imoke offered that the Obudu race this year was a shade better than it was last year and was happy that the race has achieved its twin objectives of putting Cross River State and Nigeria in a very positive light in the eyes of the world and at the same time facilitating sports development.
“We have realised the objectives of the Obudu Mountain race. And that is to put Cross River and Nigeria in its rightful place in the world rather than the negative things the country is known for.
“It is has also helped to promote athletics development in the country. “Now that those have been achieve, we need to set new targets. And that is to have the world championships here in Obudu,” said the governor. Ethiopians scoop Obudu Mountain dollars
came third. Awasah had led the race up to 1km to the finish line when Dikensa took over procedings, he coasted home to a strong finish returning 42.21 seconds to win the 50, 000 dollars at stake. Awasah clokced 42.47 seconds, a far cry from his course record of 42.03. he settled for the 20, 000 dollars, while Manangat finished at 42.57 to pocket the 9,000 dollars on offer.
Shortly afterwards the women rolled in and it was Ethiopian Meselech Haileyesus that was in command. She establised an early lead, which she hanged on to set a new course record of 48.56 seconds, compatriots Diska Mamitu and Yelawi Kas finished second and third with 49.04 and 52.05 respectively.
Homeboy Cletus Eyo and Janet Dung were the first Nigerians to finish the race and they their reward was a 2000 dollars purse money.
Speaking during the presentation of prizes, Cross River governor, Liyel Imoke offered that the Obudu race this year was a shade better than it was last year and was happy that the race has achieved its twin objectives of putting Cross River State and Nigeria in a very positive light in the eyes of the world and at the same time facilitating sports development.
“We have realised the objectives of the Obudu Mountain race. And that is to put Cross River and Nigeria in its rightful place in the world rather than the negative things the country is known for.
“It is has also helped to promote athletics development in the country. “Now that those have been achieve, we need to set new targets. And that is to have the world championships here in Obudu,” said the governor.
