The Obudu Ranch International Mountain Race has a combined pot of $250,000 and attracts some of the world’s best mountain runners. The men and women’s individual winners’ prizes are $50,000 each.

The race was started by Governor Donald Duke to raise awareness about Obudu Cattle Ranch and Mountain Resort, a tourist resort in Nigeria.

Obudu Mountain Resort is one of the finest tourist destinations in the world.  Deep in the tropical rain forest of Cross River State, Obudu and the Ranch present an enchanting scenery and breathtaking vistas.

The resort which s located on the Obudu Plateau at an altitude of 1,576 metres above Sea level is equipped with modern facilities like an International Hotel, an airstrip, a golf course, nature reserve, and a waterpark. It is equipped with a Cable Car and a Canopy Walkway.

The prizes attracted world-class athletes and pit prominent mountain runners against established road runners.  The race starts at 800m and goes up the Obudu Mountain for another 800m. The race is an associate member race of the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) and is also endorsed by the International Association of Athletics Federations.

This year’s winner was Etenesh Diro Neda (Ethiopia) with Rita Jeptoo (Kenya) and Kipoech Paskalia (Kenya) coming in second and third respectively in the women’s race.  In the men’s race, Abebe Dinkesa (Ethiopia) came in first with MacDonard Ondara (Kenya) and Chemosin Robert (Kenya) coming in second and third respectively.

All winners are listed below: