Organizers of the yearly OKpekpe 10-kilometre Road Race, Pamodzi Limited, yesterday, announced the addition of Petralon Energy Limited, a Nigerian upstream energy company, to their sponsors’ list as the race’s official CSR partner.
Okpekpe Road Race Media Director, Dare Esan, said Petralon Energy Limited is the latest in the growing list of companies that have identified with the first road running event in West Africa to officially get World Athletics’ authentication as a world-class race.
“The company will use its sponsorship of the race as a Corporate Social Responsibility tool, as well as empowering the Ora Community in Owan Local Council in Edo State on the race day,” Esan said.
Esan revealed that Petralon Energy Limited would offer prize monies to the first three Ora indigenes to finish the race.
“Okpekpe Road Race has placed Nigeria on the world map, as a destination for sports, and Petraleon Energy Limited is also committed to acquiring, developing, operating, and financing hydrocarbon assets in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.
“The common ground between the two companies is about ensuring a good image for Nigeria, as well as contributing to the development of the economy and health of the nation,” Esan said.
On the program for this year’s race, which holds on May 27, Esan said: “For eight years, we have organized a world-class event that has grown from the first to get a World Athletics bronze label status in 2015 to the first to also get a silver label status.
“The ninth edition this year will be a gold label event and we are particularly delighted we have been able to open the door for a road-running culture in the country.
“As many as 15 other road races in Nigeria have had their race courses measured by accredited World Athletics/AIMS measurers. With Petralon Energy Limited joining us in this pacesetting role, we believe we can contribute more to making Nigeria a greater country.”
