Olatunji now World Athletics/AIMS certified national measurer
Nigeria’s growth as a destination for marathon and road races is being matched by the development of manpower in several areas of organization and management of the event.
Yussuf Alli, the Nigeria athletics legend who pioneered the revival of marathon and road races with the Aba Half Marathon a few years ago has been sponsoring members of the athletics family to upgrade their knowledge about marathon and road races.
From Solomon Aliu a certified marathon and road races security manager to Olawale Olatunji a World Athletics Level 1 Coaches Lecturer and World Athletics National Athletics Referee who just returned from Kenya where he was certified as a World Athletics/AIMS National Measurer, there have been remarkable manpower development.
The course coordinator is a globally renowned and respected measurer, Norrie Williamson, who is measurer of the route of five Olympic Games and several iconic marathons and road races around the world.
Recalling his experience in Nairobi, Kenya, Olatunji said “The course started on the path to being a road race route measurer while being of security assistance to World Athletics Grade A Measurer, Norrie Williamson, who personally recommended me for the route measurers course in Kenya.“The course, which took place over four days, consists of a test of endurance cycling abilities with emphasis on a high level of precision, map reading and interpretation, and continuous test of one’s knowledge of geometry.
“The need for accuracy in the route of the road races necessitates that World Athletics trains and certifies measurers who measure road race routes based on strict international standards to ensure that performances achieved are rightly and globally acceptable.” Said Olatunji.
Speaking on his ward performance Alli said he is not surprised that Olatunji performed well at the course and even came on top of his class,“From day one, I knew Olatunji is destined for greater things, his energy and thirst for knowledge is exceptional. He is a workaholic, ever ready to take on a new assignment immediately after completing a task, I am very proud of him” said Alli.
