42 foreign runners indicate interest as prize money unveiled for Abeokuta 10km road race

Organizers of the 2023 Abeokuta 10km road race say 42 foreign runners have indicated interest in participating in the race which holds on September 9 in the ancient city of Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun state, South West Nigeria.

Project manager, Seyi Johnson of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, also revealed the prize for both the international elite athletes and the local elite athletes.

‘The first prize for foreign runners is 5 000 dollars, second 3, 000 dollars, third 2, 000, the fourth 1,500 dollars and fifth 1,000 dollars.

For the Nigerian runners, N2m is for first, N1m for second, N500,000 for third , N 300,000 for fourth and fifth place will get N 200, 000,’ he said at a press briefing in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Chief Bukola Olopade, has declared that the 2023 edition of the race is special in many ways.

Olopade, who expressed delight over partnership with Lotus Bank as title sponsor, explained that the race billed for September 9 would be part of the week-long activities of 80th birthday of Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.

He added that the finish point of the race, which is the 3rd edition, is the front of Alake’s Palace. Incidentally, it is also facing the Abeokuta branch
office of Lotus Bank.

“I am proud to also add that top executives of most of our sponsors like 7Up, Kenya Airways, Cash Token, etc, are all indigenes of Egbaland.

“This edition is being staged by the Egba people to the international community. There will be fanfare at the finish point after the race.”

Group Head Lotus Bank, Foladimi Brodie-Mends, stated that it was important to use the Abeokuta Road Race to help the youth in state and to further expand
the tentacles of the bank.

Alake of Egba, Oba Aremu Gbadebo commended the organisers, Nilayo Sports and the title sponsor, Lotus Bank for maintaining high standards in the state.