By Kadiri Christopher
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| Medical team with the organizing team of the Orerokpe Road Race |
In a buildup to the annual Orerokpe 10km Road Race in Delta State, a pilot race has been recently held in Benin City, Edo State.
Addressing newsmen during the pre run which took place at the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST) in Benin, the organizer of the tournament, Dr Chris Ovie said there's need to broaden the scope of the International Athletic body to the Orerokpe kingdom.
Speaking, Dr Ovie said, "This is an idea that was conceived in the year 2020 and it is to bring together athletes and sports lovers to run for unity, peace and security beyond borders.
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| Dr Chris Ovie, Convener of the Orerokpe Road Race |
"The athletes invited are drawn from across various states of Nigeria, various sports commissions and it is also open to individuals who are interested to run. It is also open to international participants. But this is the maiden edition and we are already starting with our local athletes.
"Prizes will be given to winners and certificates of participation will be given to every participant at the end of this exercise.
"The main race is coming up in Orerokpe in Delta State on the 7th day of December. This is a pilot race as a buildup to the big event and it is to create awareness for that coming big event", he said.
Responding to the issue of funding, Dr Ovie said, "we are already soliciting funding from our intending sponsors which include corporate organisations, government organisations and other agencies locally and internationally.
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| Innocent Godwin, winner, Orerokpe Road Race prerun |
The prerun was a 5km road race which saw Corporal Innocent Godwin emerge as the winner.
Highlights of the prerun Orerokpe Road Race include presentation of dummy cheques of 30,000, 20,000 and 10,000 to the first, second and third positions respectively, presentation of certificate of participation to every participant, medical team on ground to offer free checks on blood sugar level and blood pressure and as well as presentation of medals to the overall winners.
Another prerun has been slated to hold at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on the 28th day of September.
See below for photos of the prerun
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| Participants from the University of Benin |
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| Participants from Edo State Juvenile athletics |
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| Participants from the Nigerian Army |
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| Runners at war |
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| Some members of the organizing team |
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