Technical Director/General Co-ordinator of the 11th Okpekpe International Road Race, Yusuf Alli, has assured participants and other stakeholders billed to be part of the race of adequate security and a conducive environment at the event scheduled for tomorrow at the hilly Okpekpe town in Edo State.

Alli said that the states billed for the competition started arriving from across the world on May 25, ahead of the race, adding that all the technical areas have been perfected with the personnel working around the clock to ensure a great race tomorrow.

According to Alli, over 40 elite athletes have already arrived for the event, adding that the number is expected to rise above 50 before yesterday, going by the number that have shown interest in the race.

He said, “We have significantly improved security around our runners because of the current situation in the country. Our athletes will be closely monitored, and the routes will be properly covered before, during, and after the race.”

Alli also said that adequate medical protocol has been put in place to ensure a healthy race, adding that the medical team is led by Dr Sam Ogbondeminu, whose profile as the first Nigerian medical doctor to become a World Athletics-certified medical director speaks of his competence.

“Since the inception of the race, some of the best brains have been handed this very important aspect, and by my record, there has been no issue at all, so we trust Dr San Ogbondeminu and his team to deliver excellently on Saturday,” he said.