Kenya’s Masai Wins the Maiden Edition of Okpekpe Road Race.

Kenya’s Moses Masai made history as the first athlete to win the Okpekpe road race, which was held Saturday in Okpekpe, Edo State.

The Winner of the Okpekpe Road Race Moses Masai (Black Trunk)
The Winner of the Okpekpe Road Race Moses Masai (Black Trunk)

The 10km race, which was ran on a hilly and sandy course saw Masai returning the time of 29. 39 seconds to win the 10,000 dollars first prize. He was tailed by Timothy Troitich of Uganda with 29.44 seconds while Yusuf Biwott of Kenya came third with 29.50 seconds.

In the Nigerian runners category, Lawrence Osheku came first to win the N100,000 at stake, Moses Edetanien was second, while Victor Yimlang was third. They won N75, 000 and N50,000 respectively.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State who also participated in the race alongside the Minister of Sports, Mr Bolaji Abdullahi and other VIPs including top Nollywood actors came 131st with a time of 59 minutes, 3 seconds.

The Governor, against the advise by organisers to compete in the VIP race which covered only 2.5km ran the whole length of the 10,000 metres to the consternation of everyone.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Abdullahi expressed delight with the outcome of the race. He thanked the government of Edo State for the wonderful work they have done in rural development.

“I must commend you for the sincere energy and commitment which you have demonstrated and also for the vision of this event. We will continue to cherish the connection you have brought between rural development and sports and that falls squarely within our mission for mass participation in sports. I will continue to argue that it is not all the time that the purpose of sports is for medals or for podium success or global excellence,” he noted.