Athletes gear up for Warri/Effurun Peace Marathon top prizes

Nigerian runners have stepped up preparations for the 2021 Warri/Effurun Peace Marathon. It will hold on November 27 in Warri, Delta State.

The 10km race, which is in its fifth year, is attracting top Nigerian long-distance runners who are eyeing the N1m top prize in both the male and female categories. There are also consolation prizes for the top then finishers in the race.

According to the technical consultant of the WEPM, coach Gabriel Okon, spreading the winning prizes is to encourage more athletes to participate, and feel satisfied with their efforts during the racecourse.

He added that the race, which was put off last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions, would be conducted under the best COVID-19 protocols.

“We going to ensure that all COVID-19 protocols are observed and also ensure that the athletes are safe from reckless motorists during the race.

“Last year, the race couldn’t hold because of COVID-19. This is why we have to take all precautions and ensure that the runners, technical officials and the fans know their boundaries so that everyone would be safe,” Okon stated.

The race is sanctioned by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), and also supported by the Delta State government.