Organisers of the historic Okpekpe international 10km road race have unveiled the action plan for the successful organization of the ninth edition of the race which holds on Saturday May 27, 2023 in Okpekpe in Estako East Local Government Area of Edo state.
Dare Esan, the race’s Director of Media and Activation says the secretariat for the event will open on Monday May 22, 2023 to begin the final countdown to the first gold label 10km road race in Nigeria.
‘The Secretariat will open in Auchi near Okpekpe five days before the event to prepare, among other things for the arrival of technical and medical equipments needed for the race as well as the arrival of the elite athletes,’ said Esan.
The Media and Activation director also says volunteers that will be used at the race will begin their training to ensure a hitch free race for the ninth straight edition.
‘This time around, we are going to engage more volunteers and we are partnering with the Edo State University in Uzauire near Auchi where about 200 students will work as volunteers for the race in the area of accommodation, medicals, media, transportation and technical.
‘We are bringing in these students as volunteers as a way of imparting in them practical knowledge of management. Like the Edo state Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu said at the pre-race conference last week in Benin, ‘sports sharpens our knowledge, physical ability and reduces social vices in the society.’
Esan also revealed that accreditation and medical tests will begin on Tuesday May 23 while foreign and Nigerian elite athletes will undertake a tour of the race course on Thursday.
In terms of security, Esan says all arrangements have been concluded for another trouble and crime-free event.
