About 3,000 athletes including 20 world elite runners are ready to compete this morning as the second edition of the Okpekpe 10km road race rolls off the starting the line in the sleepy town of Okpekpe in the norther part of Edo State.

The race, which will be flagged off by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria president, Solomon Ogba will see the local and foreign athletes compete for the $25, 000 first prize for the men and the $15, 000 for the women.

PIC. 5. GOV. ADAMS OSHIOMHOLE (3RD R) OF EDO AND OTHERS TAKING
OFF DURING THE VIP RACE AT THE OKPEKPE INTERNATIONAL 10KM ROAD
RACE IN AUCHI, EDO, ON SATURDAY (4/5/13).

The race technical manager, Yusuf Alli confirmed yesterday that all the athletes were ready to compete adding that he was expecting last year’s performances to be eclipsed.

“We have all the athletes in and waiting to run. We have 20 elite athletes and other 3000 or so Nigerian runners eager to win the top prize.

“Last year Moses Masai of Kenay ran 29 minutes, 39 seconds to set the course record.

“I am confident we can get a sub 28:50seconds run tomorrow in the men’s race to better Massai’s record,” Alli a former African long record holder stated.

All eyes will be on reigning world race champion, Aziz Lahbabi of Morocco, who will be joined by other top East African runners who will throng the hilly and sandy course.

“Everything is ready, we have mapped out the course and we expect the athletes to put in their best,” added Alli.

He stated that competent technical officials are on ground to ensure that there was compliance with IAAF set standards.