THIS year's Obudu International Mountain Race promises to be a thriller as the over 40 foreign athletes and hundreds of Nigerians taking part in the seventh edition of the annual competition at Obudu Mountain Resort, Cross River State, have vowed to give the defending champion, Ethiopia's Abebe Dinkesa, a run for his money.Already, the mountain resort and its environs are wearing a festive look for the yearly feast, which over the years has been a big boost to the economy and tourism development of the locality. The race was introduced in 2005 by the state government to market and promote the resort to the world.The field this year is quite an open and challenging one with over 200 athletes, including foreigners and Nigerians, including former champions, raring to lay their hands on the glittering trophy and the prize money, which is the highest in the world.Apart from the main race, which this year is holding for the first time on a week day (Monday), the mountaineers would also be challenging for the continent's team race, which is tagged African Mountain Running Championship. It is the third edition of the country race introduced in 2009.Journalists covering the event would also have their day of glory in the media race holding over the weekend, while the residents of the area would come out in large numbers to cheer their children to the exciting cash rewards and scholarship in the children race also holding at the weekend.The race, which enjoys the support of the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA), the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), is regarded as one of the most challenging mountain races in the world.It is an uphill 11km steeple and serpent-like terrain with over 22 bends. The altitude is put at 1, 575 metres, covering over 5, 000 feet above sea level.The event is expected to attract the Italian President of WMRA, Bruno Gozzelini and officials of the AFN with the state governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, leading the pack of government officials to the three-day championship.The state Commissioner for Information, Patrick Ugbe has assured that this year's race would be the best ever in terms of the technical organisation of the race, adding that the Local Organising Committee (LOC) headed by Sir William Archibong are in constant touch with the relevant authorities necessary to ensure a flawless competition.
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