Okpekpe 10km Road Race Set For Grand Return May 23

Nigeria’s flagship road-running event, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, will return on 23 May 2026, with organisers promising a bigger and more innovative 11th edition.

Chief Executive Officer of Pamodzi Sports International, Mike Itemuagbor, confirmed the comeback, assuring that the race will bounce back stronger after last year’s cancellation due to circumstances beyond the organisers’ control.

“The Okpekpe race is coming back stronger in 2026. We received numerous enquiries from athletes and officials eager to participate, and we assured them the event would return this year for its 11th edition,” Itemuagbor said.

The race holds a historic place in Nigerian athletics as the first road-running event in the country to have its course measured by a World Athletics-certified official. In 2015, it also became the first road race in West Africa to attain label status.

Since then, the competition has progressed from bronze to gold label status, consistently attracting elite runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Morocco, Bahrain and Nigeria.

Beyond the sport, the race has had a transformative impact on the Okpekpe community in Edo State, boosting tourism and stimulating local economic activity.

Itemuagbor expressed appreciation to supporters, adding: “We want to thank the thousands who reached out via phone, email and social media. We assure them the race is back this May and here to stay.”

The event has produced notable performances, including Daniel Ebenyo’s men’s course record of 28:28 set in 2023 and Caroline Kipkirui’s women’s record of 32:38.

Organisers say the 2026 edition will introduce new innovations to enhance the experience for athletes, spectators and the host community, while maintaining its global standards.

With anticipation building, this year’s race promises another thrilling chapter, with records under threat and new champions set to emerge.