The Local Organising Committee of the 5th Obudu International mountain Race has announced the opening of entries for this year's event taking place on the November 28, 2009.
The 11.25Km mountain race, up at the height of 1600m (over 5000ft) above sea level, has a new structure and organisation and is supported by the state governor, Liyel Imoke, the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA), the IAAF and the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
In a statement issued by the Chairman of the LOC, Sir William Archibong, this year's event promises to be bigger and more exciting than previous editions.
"The 5th Obudu Ranch International Mountain Race will be held alongside the 1st African Nations Obudu Ranch Mountain Race Championships on November 28, 2009," Archibong stated.
"The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) has also given us its support, especially now that we are introducing the first African Nations Championships.
"Last year at the 4th edition of the race, Governor Imoke and the then WMRA president, Danny Hughes, agreed that the race should take a new format with the governor favourably disposed to having a first-of-its-kind championships for African nations.
"The idea was bought by Hughes, now of blessed memory, and the IAAF. So what we are having this year will be unique. It is unprecedented."
Archibong said the venue for the race remains the Obudu Ranch Resort, which has a temperate climate due to its high altitude and is fitted with a cable car to bring guests from the base camp or ‘bottom hill' to the summit of the ranch.
He also urge the teeming public and athletes to take advantage of the largest prize paying mountain race to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cross River State.