The Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, one of Nigeria’s premier road-running events, is poised to make a grand comeback in May 2026 after unforeseen circumstances prevented its 2025 edition from taking place.
Mike Itemuagbor, CEO of Pamodzi Sports International, the event’s organisers, announced that the race will return with an expanded scope, reaffirming its status as a world-class sporting occasion.
“The Okpekpe race is coming back stronger in 2026. Circumstances beyond our control ensured we could not hold this year. We have received numerous inquiries from both athletes and officials eager to participate in what would have been last month’s event, and we have informed them that the race will return next year for its 11th edition,” Itemuagbor stated.
The Okpekpe Road Race holds a significant position in Nigerian sports history, being the first road-running event in Nigeria to have its course measured by a World Athletics-certified course measurer. It was also the first road race in West Africa to achieve label status in 2015, eight years after World Athletics began classifying road races into categories. Since then, the race has ascended from a bronze label to become the first gold label 10km road race in West Africa.
This prestigious label signifies the event’s world-class nature, attracting elite athletes from around the globe. Over the years, competitors from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Morocco, Bahrain, and Nigeria have graced the race.
The event has not only placed Nigeria on the global athletics map but has also inspired other race organisers in the country to strive for label status.
Beyond its athletic significance, the race has had a transformative impact on the Okpekpe community and its surroundings. The event has opened the rustic town to the world, bringing economic and tourism benefits to Edo State. It has also spurred the development of other road races in Nigeria, many of which now have their courses measured by certified professionals.
“We want to express our gratitude to the thousands who reached out to us via telephone, email, and our social media channels. We assure them that we are not only returning next May, but that the event is here to stay,” Itemuagbor emphasised.
The Okpekpe International 10km Road Race offers substantial prize money to top finishers. The winner in each gender category receives $15,000, while second and third-place finishers earn $8,000 and $5,000, respectively. Fourth and fifth places will take home $3,000 and $2,000.
Additionally, athletes who break the course record will receive a bonus of $2,000, while those who set a new African or World record will earn $5,000. This incentivisation encourages elite runners to exceed their limits and deliver outstanding performances.
The race has witnessed remarkable achievements over the years, with the men’s course record standing at 28:28, set by Daniel Ebenyo in 2023, and the women’s record at 32:38, established by Caroline Kipkirui in the same year.
As it prepares for its return in May 2026, the Okpekpe Road Race is expected to continue its legacy of excellence. Organisers are committed to ensuring the event remains a world-class competition, further solidifying Nigeria’s reputation as a premier destination for elite road racing.
“We are delighted that we have been able to position Nigeria as a notable destination for sports globally, showcasing the rustic Okpekpe community and encouraging many other road race organisers to emulate our efforts and aspire for label status,” Itemuagbor concluded.
As anticipation builds, athletes and fans alike can look forward to another exhilarating edition of the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, where records may be shattered, new champions crowned, and Nigeria’s sporting prestige further enhanced.
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