In a remarkable display of
athletic prowess, Daniel Ebenyo of Kenya claimed victory in the 10th
Okpekpe
10km International Road Race, toppling the former champion Yasin Haji of
Ethiopia and setting a new record in the process. The race, held on a rainy
day, proved to be a challenging test for Ebenyo, but he emerged triumphant,
crossing the finish line in a stunning time of 28 minutes and 28 seconds, establishing
a new course record.
Expressing his joy after the
race, Ebenyo said, “I’m thrilled to win here, especially against a former
champion. It was a different and difficult race for me. I’m pleasantly
surprised to have achieved a new course record, especially considering the wet
conditions.” The Kenyan runner’s determination and perseverance paid off,
solidifying his position as the victor.
Another Kenyan athlete, Brian
Kwemoi, displayed exceptional performance and secured the second position with
a time of 28 minutes and 40 seconds. The defending champion from the previous
year, Yasin Haji of Ethiopia, finished third, crossing the finish line in 29
minutes and 34 seconds.
In the women’s race, the
Kazakhstani runner Carolina Kipkirui emerged as the new champion, setting a new
course record with her impressive time of 32 minutes and 38 seconds. Ludwina
Chakintic from Kenya secured the second position with a time of 32 minutes and
53 seconds, followed closely by Betukan Welder from Ethiopia, finishing third
in 32 minutes and 58 seconds.
Among the Nigerian participants
in the male category, Gwom Gyang showcased his skills and achieved an excellent
time of 32 minutes and 52 seconds, securing the title of the first Nigerian to
finish the race. Iliya Pam finished in second place with a time of 33 minutes
and 14 seconds, while Success Fater secured the third position, crossing the
finish line in 34 minutes and 26 seconds.
In the female category, Joy
Abiye emerged as the first Nigerian finisher with a time of 37 minutes and 56
seconds. Anita Ohas and Faith Jegede secured the second and third positions,
respectively, with times of 48 minutes and 48 seconds and 49 minutes.
For their extraordinary
performances, both Daniel Ebenyo and Carolina Kipkirui were awarded a prize of
$20,000 each, recognizing their exceptional skills and achievements.
The race commenced at 8:30 am
amidst the rain, with more than 2,000 runners participating in the event. For
many of them, it was their first experience with a marathon of this magnitude.
The 10th edition of the Okpekpe 10km International Road Race transformed the
town of Okpekpe and its surrounding areas into a lively carnival. The local
residents flocked in large numbers to cheer on the runners, creating a festive
atmosphere along the race route.
Race officials attributed the
establishment of new course records in both the male and female events to the
introduction of innovative measures aimed at enhancing efficiency through
effective communication at various stages of the race. These new initiatives
ensured smoother operations and contributed to the overall success of the
event. Mike Itemuagbor, the organizer of the race, expressed his satisfaction,
stating, “We are pleased to have additional sponsors join us in our
pursuit of perfection, emulating other gold label races held around the
world.”
The 10th Okpekpe 10km
International Road Race left a lasting impression, showcasing the
determination, resilience, and remarkable abilities of the participating
athletes. It served as a testament to the power of sports in bringing
communities together and inspiring individuals to push their limits in pursuit
of greatness.
