One of Nigeria’s most respected distance running coaches, Stephen Nuhu says the world acclaimed and World Athletics Gold Label Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has been a blessing to Nigeria.
Nuhu also congratulated the organisers of the race on the 10th anniverssary of the historic event which he says has ‘put Nigeria on the map of the world as a
destination for sports’.
“I want to congratulate the organisers of the race for consistently organising a world class event every year. It is a testament to the organisational
ability of Nigerians and I am happy World Athletics acknowledged this with the label status granted the race in 2015 and its subsequent upgrade from silver
to gold,” said Nuhu.
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The Plateau State born coach who is known for producing most of today’s elite long distance runners in Nigeria says Okpekpe Race is the only international road race in Nigeria that does not discriminate between Nigerian elite runners and their foreign counterparts.
Nuhu added: “It is the only Okpekpe race that has provided transport subsidy and accommodation for our elite athletes the same way they did for foreign elite athletes.
“Whenever we come to Okpekpe, we don’t worry about where to sleep and that has helped the athletes to focus on the race.
“It has also helped the athletes to mingle with their foreign based counterparts and has provided the platform for exchange of ideas including training
methods and other opportunities.”