A 10- kilometre road race initiated by the Asagba of Asaba, Professor Obi Epiphany Azinge, has been held in Asaba with winners emerging at both local and National/international categories.
The race which was the first edition saw 500 local and international athletes competing in various categories .
Gwam Ogochukwu came first in Asaba Female category and won N300,000 while Promise Omoru won the male category of Asaba born male athletes and also received 300,000 as prize money.
In the national category, Saljo Ismael from Cross River State emerged the winner of the male first prize, finishing the 10 kilometers race in 31.08 minutes followed by Gwuom James Gyang from Plateau State who completed the race in 31.31 minutes while another Plateau State born runner, Badung Clement secured the third position in 31.32 minutes.
Meanwhile, Florence Watetu Wachira from Kenya, clinched the first prize of five thousand dollars among foreign athletes that competed in the road race.
At the closing ceremony which held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge commended the efforts of all the athletes that participated in the road race.
While describing the 10km Road Race as actualization of a dream, the Asagba thanked all the people that contributed in one way or the other to make it a possibility.
He said the long distance race was an effort of the entire community that had invariably established the peaceful and serene Asaba community in global scene as being able to provide good and enviable environment for the people to exploit.
The monarch commended the various winners and encouraged them to keep it up n and prepare much better for subsequent ones.
Chairman of Asaba Sports Committee, Wing Comr. Peter Iweze (Rtd) welcomed and appreciated members of the Committee and the entire Asaba Community for being committed to the drive that will bring honour to the Community as well as the participants noting that the 5 kilometer fitness walk which was prelude to the 10kilometer race contributed immensely the success observed in the event of the day.
Iweze expressed profound gratitude to the traditional ruler, the Asagba, whose vision and generosity made the event possible.
He said that His Majesty conceived and bankrolled the maiden edition of the road race; thus demonstrating his commitment to the promotion of events that will enhance youth development in the community and environs.
The 10km Road Race Consultant , Dr. Moses Nwanze commended the Asagba for being proactive and able to see that the distance race was successfully completed.
He gave an assurance that subsequent editions would be improved upon.
