Organisers of the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race have announced the payment of prize money to Nigerian winners of the 11th edition of the race.

Highlighting the development as significant in a country where athletes have often complained of delayed payments after road races, the organisers said that the prize money, sponsored by Peter Dunia, a security expert and chief executive of

Oceanwaves, a security outfit, was paid immediately after the race.
Dunia had personally presented dummy cheques to the winners immediately after the event, but the organisers have now publicly announced the completion of the payment following the conclusion of international doping-control requirements.

The prize money was N3 million for first place, N2 million for second and N1 million went to third place in each gender category.

The organisers said the public announcement was intended to recognise the Nigerian athletes and demonstrate that their participation in the race was valued.

Nigerian runners competing in the event are provided accommodation and are recognised during different stages of the race, they said.

Although the athletes have yet to reach international elite standards, four Nigerian runners broke 31 minutes at the 11th edition. Raymond Iliya Gyang ran 30:28, finishing 28 seconds outside the 30-minute mark.

“We have noticed the significant improvement in the performances of Nigerian elite athletes and will continue to provide the enabling environment and the reward to encourage them,” Okpekpe Race Director Zack Amodu said.

Amodu thanked Dunia and Oceanwaves for sponsoring the prize money, saying: “This is very commendable and Dunia has proved that his company is not only helping to secure Nigeria but also secure the career of Nigerian road runners.”