Another Clean Bill Of Health For Okpekpe Road Race

West African premier IAAF Silver Label race, Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, has been given yet another clean bill of health by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), following the negative results from dope tests carried out at the race. Dare Esan, spokesperson for the race, revealed on Wednesday in Lagos that the AIU had sent in the results from the samples taken for dope tests, and they all returned negative upsurging the reputation of the one-day event which took place on May 12, near Auchi, Edo State. The AIU informed the race organizers via an email sent to the promoter of the race, Mike Itemuagbor, stating that none of the collected samples tested positive for any performance enhancing drugs.

“I am pleased to inform you that the analyses of the doping control samples collected at Okpekpe Intl 10km Road Race, performed at the WADA-accredited laboratory in Stockholm, did not reveal the presence or use of a substance or method prohibited under the current WADA Prohibited List.” — Virginie Ocquidant (IU In Competition Testing Coordinator)

Esan believes that the clean bill of health the race has received since its maiden edition goes a long way to show just how committed the anti-doping unit is to maintaining the integrity of the only road race in Nigeria recognised by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.

“This is not only a good development for the sport, it is equally a big plus for the organisers of the race. “When we decided to make Dr Akin Amao who retired as the head of the Medical Unit of the Ministry of Sports and one of Nigeria’s foremost sports medicine practitioners, as our head of the anti-doping unit for the race, it is because we wanted to ensure everything about the race has a touch of excellence and integrity. This has given Edo state and Nigeria a positive image that money cannot buy.” — Esan