25 November 2008
Lagos — Reigning World Mountain running champion, Jonathan Wyatt of New Zealand has described the annual Obudu International Mountain Race as one of the high quality mountain races in the world and will always attract the best runners in the world because of the huge prize money.
Wyatt, who placed fifth in his debut at the race in 2006 says the organisers of the race, the Cross River State Government and the Athletic Federation of Nigeria who are responsible for its technical organisation have done a lot to make the event one of the most talked about races in the world today.
"The Obudu mountain race is of very high quality and the organisers have done so well in bringing together some of the best runners in the world. I also think it is interesting bringing runners from all different parts of the world together in one race is a good one not only for mountain running but also for normal road running because the terrain in Obudu is not too steep which means mountain running and road running can be done there. It is a really exciting race", said Wyatt from his base in Italy.
Wyatt is convinced the organisers have organised one of the best mountain races in the world but insists it is the prize money that has been the catalyst for the positives the race have received worldwide.
"The prize money of $50,000 is a sure motivation to attract all the top athletes in the world that have graced the event since 2005.Of course something must appeal to you to make you want to participate in anything, but the motivation is not all about money but also the opportunity it has given for one to compete among the best athletes in the world. And when the prize money is right a lot of athletes will come around", he said.
The New Zealander also commended the Local Organising Committee for the race led by William Archibong for ensuring the two world champions will be among the elite athletes that will battle for the top prize money and the title.
"It is really good for the race for the two world Champions to be participating, and I think it is also good to appreciate runners from other areas outside Europe and the Americas. This is what makes this race very unique".
Wyatt however sounded out a loud warning to his would-be adversaries, particularly the Africans that have dominated the race since 2006 to guard their loins very well because he is desperate to prove he really is the reigning world champion.
"I'm not scared of the African runners; they are like just any other runners. They are strong great athletes, and I'm sure they are also here to win the title. All I need to do is my own training and make sure I do my possible best to win it", he said.
This year's race has been slated for Saturday at the Obudu Ranch Resort in Obudu. The weeklong activities heralding the race will include a Seminar on Doping in Sports, a Gala Night and the Media Race. This year also, as an added attraction is a Children's Novelty race, which has been introduced by Cross River state Governor, Liyel Imoke to help the young ones horn their skills in Mountain Running. The Children's race will feature on the same day as the Media Race.
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