The Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has once again received a clean bill of health from the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for the ninth consecutive edition. The event, which took place on 27th May, recorded negative dope tests, affirming its commitment to promoting clean and fair competition.
Read Also: NNL’s New Board Unveils Ambitious Plans: Revamping The Second-Tier League For Football Excellence
Notably, the ninth edition of the race witnessed two new course records, signifying the event’s growing prestige. Kenyan athlete Daniel Simiu Ebenyo set the men’s course record with an impressive time of 28:28, while Kazakhstan’s Caroline Chepkoech Kipkirui smashed the women’s course record with a time of 32:38, beating the previous record of 32:41 set in 2014.
The AIU, in a letter to Mike Itemuagbor, the race promoter, not only confirmed the course records but also certified that no athlete ingested prohibited substances or used prohibited methods during the competition. The samples collected at the event were analyzed at the WADA-Accredited Lausanne laboratory, and the results showed no presence or use of substances/methods prohibited under the current WADA list.
Race Director Zack Amodu expressed satisfaction with the AIU’s findings, highlighting the organizers’ dedication to ensuring clean and fair competition for all participating athletes. The recognition from the AIU not only affirms the organizers’ commitment to excellence and integrity but also boosts Nigeria’s standing in the global sporting arena.
The Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, which commenced in 2013, has steadily gained prominence and acclaim in the sporting world. It was the first road race in West Africa to receive a label rating, obtaining a bronze label status in 2015.
Since then, it has achieved significant milestones, becoming the first-ever silver label road race in West Africa in 2018 and the first gold label 10km road race in Nigeria. It also holds the distinction of being the first road race in Nigeria recognized by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). The race’s continuous success serves as a testament to its organizers’ unwavering commitment to fostering excellence, fairness, and integrity in athletics.
 for the){kind=link}