Cross River State governor, Liyel Imoke was on hand to personally hand out prizes won by competitors at this year’s Obudu International Mountain Race held at the Obudu Ranch Resort. The race which had a course developed of the main road, attracted close to 150 runners vieing for top spot.
Kenyan, Rono Philemon clocked 1hr.43 secs to cart home the $50, 000 first prize money, leaving last year’s winner, Ethiopian Abebe Dimesa, trailing in second place and earning $20, 000. Third place went to Ugandan Geofrey Kesere and $9, 000.
In the female category, it was one, two, three for Ethiopia as the trio of Jenet Bellow, I. Ahere and Berha Afere, won in that order.
Meanwhile, for the third year running, Odey Aleno of the NTA Calabar, has emerged winner of the Media race at the competition. Aleno cupped up $2, 000 for his feat, beating Ifeoluwa Anifowoshe of Silverbird TV and Chris Maduwesi to 2nd and 3rd place. This is the 9th edition of the mountain race which has continued to attract world class athletes to the competition.
