The defending men and women champions for the Obudu International Mountain Race, Abebe Dinkesa and Eteneseh Dironeda, have confirmed their participation in the 9th edition of the same event, says one of the members of the Local Organising Committee.
Ethiopia’s Dinkesa set a then race course record of 41:45mins when he won his first Obudu title in 2008 and became a two-time winner in 2010 before completing an unprecedented treble last year. He wants to make history by becoming the first man to win the men’s title four times since the inaugural edition in 2005.
The Cross River State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Patrick Ugbe revealed this to newsmen, saying:
“Abebe has confirmed that he will be coming to defend his title on November 23 at the Obudu Ranch Resort where His Excellency, the executive governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, is expected to flag off the race.
“We are really delighted that the Obudu Mountain Race has continued to attract the best mountain runners in the world. With the huge support we are getting from His Excellency Governor Liyel Imoke, Cross Riverians in particular and Nigerians in general should be rest assured the local organising committee for the race headed by Sir Williams Archibong will organise another top class event.
“The governor has charged us (LOC) to ensure the organisation of this year’s race receives another positive commendation from the President of World Mountain Running Association (WMRA), Bruno Gozzelino, who will be present at the Ranch to offer his technical and administrative support.”
Ugbe also confirmed the defending women’s champion, Dironeda, would be participating at the November event.
The Commissioner expressed delight that the reigning world mountain running champion, Philip Kiplimo of Uganda leads a stellar lineup of elite runners to the race.
The Obudu International Mountain Race is organised by the Cross River State Government, in conjunction with the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN). It enjoys tremendous support from the African Athletics Confederation (CAA), the WMRA and the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF)>
Please hƠ̴̴͡ώ can someone register for this race