FADEKEMI Olude, the third Nigerian woman to cross the finish line at the just-concluded 2019 Okpekpe road race expressed optimism that the next edition would be better for her.

The competition which began at Apama road and ended at Okpekpe, Edo, on May 25 had no fewer than 3,000 runners in attendance.

Olude told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that she was certain of improving as her time and position in 2019 was much better than 2017 edition.

“Although I placed third in the Nigerian female category; I am happy, at least, it was better than that of 2017. If you will remember, I placed 6th then.

“But in this competition, I placed third and I am very sure that next time will still be better than this for me,” she said.

She, however, commended her fellow compatriots who participated in the race, saying that “we all tried our best, my time was even better than before. But we will surely get there,” she said.

Reacting to her next target, Olude said she was eagerly waiting for the Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s (AFN) next competition.

Deborah Pam clocked a time of 00:38.13secs to finish as the fastest Nigerian, Hudung Gyang came second place with a time of 00:38.18secs.

Olude, also a race walker finished with a time of 00:38.59secs.

Fikadu Admasu Dawit of Bahrain was the overall winner in the men’s category with a time of 00.29.03secs, while Kenya’s Sheelah Shelangat won the overall with 00:32.59secs.

The first, second and third position in the international elite category carted away the sum of 20,000 dollars, 13,000 dollars and 9,000 dollars.

The fourth to eighth position went home with 6,500 dollars, 3,000 dollars, 2,000 dollars, 1,500 dollars and 1,000 dollars respectively. (NAN)

– 27 May, 2019 @ 12:05 GMT |