Dare, Olopade Grace 2026 Abeokuta 10km Race

The ancient city of Abeokuta came alive yesterday as the fifth edition of the Great Abeokuta 10KM Race, organised by Nilayo Sports returned in grand style.

The highly anticipated road race, which made a comeback after the organisers deliberately skipped the 2025 edition, was graced by top dignitaries including the former Minister of Youth and Sports Development and current Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Hon. Sunday Dare, and the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade.

The 2026 edition was initially billed for September 26, 2026, but organisers announced a new date of October 3.
More than 1,000 participants took part in the race, which flagged off at exactly 7am from Macjob Grammar School, Onikolobo, and traversed through the scenic and culturally significant streets of Abeokuta, famous for its undulating terrain, before finishing at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto.

The 2026 edition was restricted exclusively to Nigerian athletes. Despite being a local-only race, NSML maintained the elite prize purse at the same level traditionally contested by international athletes.The overall winners in both categories received $1,000, while first and second runners-up received $750 and $500 respectively, with every finisher receiving a commemorative medal.

Musa Francis James emerged winner of the men’s category in 30:25.33, followed by Ilya Raymond who finished second in 30:38.06 and Gyang Sunday who completed the podium in 30:47.00. In the women’s category, Akanbi Aderonke Olufunmilayo claimed victory in 35:00.69, with Bulus Mary Jah finishing second in 35:58.71 and Nwantiyi Teyei Davou third in 36:03.09.

During the medal presentation ceremony, Hon. Sunday Dare was invited to the podium to present medals to some of the outstanding athletes, while Kola Daniel, Special Adviser on Media to the Director General of the National Sports Commission, was also invited to the podium to present a medal.

The event ended with a colourful post-race concert at the finish-line area, once again establishing the Great Abeokuta 10KM Race as a cultural and athletic celebration for Ogun State and Nigeria, aligning with the National Sports Commission’s drive to deepen grassroots sports, empower Nigerian athletes and promote healthy living.