National Cross Country race to hold this weekend in Jos, winners to share over #2m price money

National Cross Country race set for Jos this weekend

ATHLETICS National Cross Country race to hold this weekend in Jos, winners to share over #2m price money

Funmilayo Fameso 19:44 - 17.02.2023

The first National Cross Country race in over four decades will hold in Jos this weekend, and organizers have announced the winning prize money.

All is set for the National Cross Country race on Saturday in Jos, as the organizers have announced that the winners will share over #2,000,000 in prize money.

The Cross Country race is the first to be organized in Nigeria in almost 40 years, and it is facilitated by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare, who will flag it off at the Rhino Golf Course in Jos.

Race coordinator Chief Tony Osheku says arrangements for a hitch-free race are concluded, and the athletes who will be the direct beneficiaries of the race are delighted.

"We are ready for the first real Cross Country race in almost four decades,' says Osheku, a former Nigerian 1500m champion.

"The excitement here is palpable as the athletes who came on a tour of the course are excited to be part of the race, which will signpost a new beginning for distance runners in the country,' he added.

Osheku believes Chief Dare, will be remembered as the man who relayed the foundation for the development of distance running in Nigeria.

He added that he is already getting messages from some of the best distance coaches and managers in the world, who have been commending the sports ministry for finally giving attention to distance running in Nigeria.

"Walter Abymayr, a renowned athletics coach and manager is excited we are returning to running cross country, which he believes is the solid foundation that we can have to produce world-class athletes," revealed Osheku.

"The event will be organized in accordance with World Athletics competition rules," he concluded.

The women's 10km race will start at 10 am to kick off events for the day.

Tags: