May 23, (THEWILL) – The organisers of the highly anticipated 2023 Okpekpe Road Race have revealed that the collection of running numbers, known as bibs, for the event, will commence this Thursday, and conclude on Friday, at Uyi Hotel, Auchi.
This crucial stage in the lead-up to the race, set to take place on Saturday, in Okpekpe, Edo State, marks a significant milestone for participants. Race Director, Zack Amodu, noted the importance of runners collecting their bibs in person, urging registered athletes to take advantage of the designated collection period, which will run from 9 am to 6 pm daily.
Amodu also highlighted the rewards awaiting participants, “All participating athletes will receive a running race vest, bib number, and chip, while those who complete the 10km race from the flag-off point at Apana Road to the finish line in Okpekpe will receive medals and certificates.” As excitement builds for the ninth edition of the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, founder and CEO of Petralon Energy Limited, Ahonsi Unuigbe, expressed his company’s unwavering support for the event.
Unuigbe explained that their sponsorship of the race is a fulfilment of a personal vow made years ago. Reflecting on the positive impact of the race, he said: “Through the Okpekpe race, he has certainly changed whatever negative narrative about Nigeria out there. I said to myself at the time that if I find myself in a position to help, I will definitely do it, and thank God I am able to do it now as the official CSR partner.”
In addition to being the race’s first CSR partner, since it attained label status from World Athletics, Petralon Energy Limited is eager to contribute to the continued success of the event. Unuigbe further revealed plans for a pre-Okpekpe race trial, where 100 runners from the Ora communities will receive sponsorship to participate in the main race, aiming to nurture talent and positively impact local communities.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
