by crossriverwatch admin
Nigeria’s foremost tourism wonder “Mount Obudu” is set to host the 9th edition of the annual Obudu International Mountain Race and the 5th African Mountain Running Championships on the 23rd of November 2013.
With total prize money of 250,000 USD, for a race of 11.25 km stretching through 22 meandering bends, the Obudu International Mountain Race is considered “The world’s richest mountain race”.
The mouth-watering prize money has since inception attracted world class athletes who compete on a race course that begins at the height of 800m above sea level, finishing at 1600m above sea level.
The race is an associate member of the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) and is endorsed by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
The reigning World Mountain Running Champion, Philip Kiplimo of Uganda tops the list of a league of elite runners who will be competing in this year’s event alongside Nigerian and local athletes for the $50,000 prize money in the men’s category.
A member of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and Cross River State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Patrick Ugbe, expressed delight at the confirmation of the top mountain runner in the world amongst the rich cast that will compete in the race come November 23rd at the Obudu Mountain Resort.
He said “we are very delighted that two of the four best mountain runners in the world have been confirmed for this year’s event. This is a confirmation of the growing popularity and confidence that the world mountain running family has in our ability to organize a world class event.”
The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Sir. William Archibong in his remarks said “We have basically looked at logistics, as well as technical and administrative aspects of the race and after all this I can comfortably say that we are ready to host the world.”
The General Manager Marketing of Cross River State Tourism Bureau Mr. Charles Omoregha in a statement said, “This event will bring to Cross River a tremendous amount of tourists who will troop in to witness an event that is growing in worldwide reputation hence a healthy boost to our ever growing tourism sector.”
He further highlighted the marketing opportunities that are available to firms. Mr Omoregha said “the race will also provide ample advertising opportunities for companies to advertise through branding opportunities that exist on the 1600m stretch of the race course as well as selling/marketing of goods and services to a select target market/audience.”
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