The forthcoming JAC Motors Abeokuta 10km Race has received a major with a royal blessing ahead of the 9 November of the competition in Ogun State, south west Nigeria.
P.M. EXPRESS reports that the royal blessing is coming from His Royal Majesty, the Alake of Egba, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, who received the organisers, sponsors and members of the sporting press at his palace in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Wednesday.
The Alake of Egba, who was so excited that a tournament which will see runners from different countries of the world converging on the ancient city of Abeokuta, told his guests that he would ensure that all sons and daughters of Egbaland, which consists of Egba Alake, Owu Kingdom, Oke-Ona and Gbagura, are mobilised for the race, which holds on Saturday, 2 November, 2019.
“Abeokuta is a historic and unique city in Nigeria. Abeokuta is tourist destination of choice, an iconic city that is hospitable.
It is my pleasure to endorse this race and I’m looking forward to seeing that the prize money for this race is increased very soon and we are looking forward to welcoming the world to Abeokuta during this historic event on our land,” Alake of Egbaland said.
Bukola Olopade, the Managing Director, Nilayo Sports Management Ltd (NSML), organiser of the race told the monarch and some of his High Chiefs that the organisation of the race was borne out of the desire to expose the city to the outside in sports, adding that the JAC Motors Abeokuta 10km race is spearheaded by the sons and daughters of Egbaland.
According to Olopade, there has been great enthusiasm from runners across the world. He disclosed that about 40 elite runners have registered, while others are still coming.
He assured that there will be garnished of international flavour in the maiden JAC Motors Abeokuta 10km race. He was so glad with the level of approval the race has been receiving from both the locals and other citizens across the country.
Apart from JAC Motors, other sponsors include Landwey Investments, Rite Foods Ltd, Qmb Builders Mart, IBD International Hotel, Bet9ja and Three Crowns.
Winners will go home with $5,000 in the male and female category respectively and N1,000,000 for the first Nigerian athlete to cross the finish line. The race will commence at Iyana Oloke, Abeokuta and end at the palace of the Alake of Egbaland.
The race has been certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and International Athletics Association Federation (IAAF).
