Organisers of the gold label Okpekpe international 10km road race have revealed that there will be in-competition doping tests on Saturday 27th May during the ninth edition of the historic event in Okpkekpe, Edo state.
Race Director, Zack Amodu said that provisions have been made for a full doping control for the event as well as full medical services at the venue.
“In line with World Athletics anti-doping rules, in-competition tests will be conducted for selected athletes during the race. This will be done to preserve the integrity of performances achieved at the event which is a World Athletics Gold Label race,” Amodu said.
A minimum of eight athletes will be subjected to the tests that will be conducted in conformity with the provisions of the international standard for testing and investigations.
“As a World Athletics Gold Label race, four men and four women will undergo the tests including four with EPO analysis,” he further explained.” The testing kits needed for effective anti-doping have arrived. We have a doping station built in Okpekpe for the race.
“Only the elite athletes will however undergo the tests. Athletes who are required to take prohibited substances or methods written in the Prohibited List to treat an illness must apply for TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemptions).”
Amodu also assured of full medical services before, during and after the race: “The organisers have fully complied with World Athletics Competition Medical Guidelines in the organisation of the medical services provided to participants since the inaugural edition of the race and this year’s event will not be different.”
The race director is confident of another clean and hitch-free race on May 27.
“As you can see, we are fully ready for the race. It is a 10 kilometre road race over hills and tarred roads, starting from Apana Road and ending in Okpekpe town,” noted.
The Okpekpe international 10km road race is the first in Nigeria to have its race course measured by a World Athletics certified course measurer and the first in West Africa to be granted a label status.