Abebe Dinkesa has been announced the winner of the 8th Obudu Ranch International Mountain Race which was concluded today 18th November 2012 in Obudu, Cross River state. For the Ethiopian, this marks his third victory in the game.
The Obudu Ranch International Mountain Race is an annual 11.25km (turned 12km) mountain running competition that takes place in late November in Obudu, Cross River State, Nigeria. The very first edition was held in 2005. Abebe Dinkesa and Kenyan’s McDonald Ondara came ahead of others in 1hr 03mins and 1 hour 06mins respectively.
Chemosin Robert came third in 1hr 07mins. Dinkesa had in 2008 set a race course record of 41:45 minutes when he won his first title. He reclaimed the title, in 2010 and today, became the first man to win the men’s title three times since the race’s inaugural edition in 2005. The distance of the men race, which until last year was 11.25 km, is now 12km. In the women’s race, Etenesh Diro Neda, also from Ethiopia won the first position in 1hr 03mins, winning the $50,000 prize money leaving Kenyans to take the second and the third position. Bisuenei Rita Jeptoo crossed the line in 1hr 02.45mins and Kipoech Paskalia in 1hr.04mins.