A man, who was identified as Victor Adepoju, has been found dead on the bank of a stream at Okpekpe in Estako East Local Government of Edo State.
He was said to be an official of the Ministry of Budget.
The cause of his death could not be ascertained but sources said he was last seen at the Okpekpe 10km road race organised by the International Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
It was unclear whether or not the late Adepoju was a participant at the event.
A relative of the deceased, who gave his name as Jude, said Victor participated in the race but did not return home until his body was discovered by the river.
He said the remains have been deposited at the Lazarus Hospital in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government.
Police spokesman Moses Eguaveon confirmed the incident but said the family has declined to conduct an autopsy.
He said: “He was a contestant in the road race and a tag with number 515 was found on him. His body was recovered from the water.
“The parents came and identified the body but they have declined investigation into the cause of the death.
“They said they did not suspect any foul play but we asked them to produce a court affidavit to show that they are not interested in the investigation.”
Commissioner for Youths and Sports Omorede Osifo said she was not aware of the death of any athlete .
She said all the athletes with fractures were taken to the hospital for treatment.