Athletes from different countries are to converge on Nigeria for the maiden Africa Ultramarathon Championship tagged “Remo 2019” scheduled to be staged in Ogun State later this year.

Former Sports Commissioner in Ogun state, Mr. Bukola Olopade told sports journalists in Sagamu that the fifty kilometres ultramarathon championship would boost the growth of sports in the country.

Ultramarathon, also called ultra-distance or ultra-running is any footrace longer than the traditional marathon length of forty two point one-nine-five kilometres.

Former sports commissioner in Ogun state, Mr. Bukola Olopade who noted that road races had come to stay in Nigeria, said the project manager in partnership with Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, was working hard to ensure the success of the race.

Mr. Olopade also applauded the plans of the present administration in the state to use sports as tool for motivating the youths towards investing their energy in meaningful ventures.

In a remark, the immediate past president of AFN, Chief Solomon Ogba said the ultramarathon in Remo would serve as qualifier for the world championship for Africans.

Similarly, a renowned marathon and road races route measurer, Norrie Williamson urged Nigerians to explore and take advantage of the long distance races to improve their performance.

In separate contributions, notable Olympians, Mrs. Falilat Ogunkoya-Omotayo and Mr. Yusuf Ali expressed optimism that the event coming up in December this year would be world class.

The experts called on relevant institutions to provide the necessary support to sustain the initiative.

Olusegun Folarin

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