Sports
Response Of Foreign Athletes Excites Mountain Race Organisers
Organisers of the 7th Obudu International Mountain Race say they have received “significant interest from foreign athletes’’.
Mr Patrick Ugbe, the Cross River Commissioner for Information and Orientation, told The Tidesports in Calabar that they were willing to come and compete.
Ugbe said that no fewer than 30 elite athletes from outside Nigeria had indicated interest to participate, while the list of local athletes would be fine-tuned by the LOC and the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
He added that the organisers were expecting between 150 and 200 athletes for this year’s race.
Ugbe, who is also the Media Officer for the race, said the defending men and women champions, Abebe Dinkesa and Meselech Haileyesus respectively, had confirmed their participation in the race.
According to him, the race will hold on Nov. 26 at the Ranch Resort in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River.
Dinkesa, an Ethiopian, set the first race record of 41 mins 45 secs in the event in 2008 and became a two-time winner in 2010
“Abebe has confirmed that he will be coming to defend his title when Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River flags off the race at the Obudu Ranch Resort.
“Dinkesa’s compatriot, Haileyesus, the defending women champion, has also confirmed that she will be at the Obudu Ranch for this year’s race.’’
He said the race organisers expected that Nigerians would take the star price of 50,000 dollars in the male and the female categories each this year.
“Many Nigerian runners are well prepared to run for the star price. We believe that because this race has been on for seven years now it is about time that Nigerians rise to take the star price.
“And we believe that they have been training, especially from the catchment areas where the mountain is.
“A lot of young people have been training seriously for this year and we believe that they will make an impact.”
The race is organised by the AFN and sponsored by the Cross River Government.
It enjoys support from the African Athletics Confederation (CAA), the World Mountain Running Association, (WMRA) and the International Association of Athletics Federations
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
-
Business4 days agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Business4 days agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Rivers4 days agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Business4 days agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Business4 days agoFG engages foreign investors at PEBEC Roundtable on business environment reforms
-
News5 days agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Sports4 days agoYenagoa City Set For Maiden 10km Marathon
-
Sports4 days agoInter House Sports Is Where Talents Are Discovered -Rear Admiral Okehie