As part of efforts to promote sports development at the grassroot, the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge has announced the maiden edition of a 10 kilometer Asaba International road race scheduled to hold on 5 October 2025.
The traditional ruler, Wednesday made this known in a press briefing with newsmen at his palace in Asaba saying the event is expected to attract Long distance runners from within and outside the shores of Nigeria.
Addressing journalists, the Asagba of Asaba said the International road race is expected to showcase Asaba not only as the capital city but as one of the fastest growing metropolis in Nigeria and Africa at large.
The monarch disclosed that the event will also attract lovers of sports from across the country as well as international participants thereby boosting economic activities in the kingdom and the rich cultural heritage of the Asaba people.
The traditional ruler maintained that all participants will be catered for as the landmark event is in support of the Delta State government’s effort in promoting sports.
Chairman of the Asaba Sports Promotion Committee Wing Commander Peter Iweze (Rtd) in his remarks commended the royal father for his love and support for sports development and assured of the readiness of the committee to carry out task assigned to them.
Wing Commander Iweze averred that the Road Race would not only attract seasoned long distance runners to Asaba but also create a clear path to Asaba becoming a sporting hub.
The reverted sports administrator said that Asaba Road Race would also engineer a robust economy as the hordes of participants would enhance the city’s economy.
Earlier in his remarks, the Consultant for the Asaba International Road Race, Mr. Moses Nwanze highlighted some of the activities of the event to include registration and accreditation of participants, fanfare, display of traditional clothing and artifacts.
Mr. Nwanze said the 10 kilometer road race would commence from the Stephen Keshi Stadium or St. Patrick’s College to Anwai road, summit road, Mariam Babangida through Okpanam road and round up at the Cenotaph.
The consultant who is a member of the planning committee highlighted that cash prizes would be given to both male and female athletes from Asaba origin, other parts of Nigeria as well as international athletes stressing that registration is free of charge.
The Asaba International road race is also in commemoration of the first anniversary of the 14th Asagba of Asaba, with both the foreign and local athletes who are expected to compete in the one day event jostling for the thirty four million naira prize money.