Splash FM Integrity Race winner, Pam, turns attention to Okpekpe

Winner of the maiden Splash FM Integrity Race, Deborah Pam, says her target now is to become the first Nigerian runner to win the 10-kilometre Okpekpe International Road Race.

Pam at the weekend in Ibadan outpaced all comers to win the women version of the Integrity Race, which brought runners from across the ancient city.

The Plateau state-born athlete, who emerged the best Nigerian woman during the last two editions of Okpekpe race, won the Ibadan marathon in a record time of three hours, three minutes and 23 seconds.

Speaking after her victory, Pam said she had come of age and hopefully she would emerge the overall winner at this year’s Okpekpe race in May.

“I have been consistent at the competition for the past two years, but I don’t want to settle for less again,” she said. “I want to become the first Nigerian athlete to win the competition and I will be going back home to intensify preparation for the competition.

“I would have started early but school activities have been affecting my preparation, but with this victory in Ibadan, I can move on from here.”

Meanwhile, the coordinator of the race, Yusuf Alli, has urged the indigenes of Okpekpe community to actively take part in the tournament.

“We want more indigenes of the state to be actively involved in the race, we are really looking forward to the locals winning something and hopefully represent Nigeria at the Olympics,” the former Nigeria international said.