After unanticipated circumstances prevented its 2025 edition, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, one of Nigeria’s most prominent road-running events, is scheduled to make a spectacular comeback in May 2026.
The race will return with a larger scope, solidifying its position as a top-tier athletic event, according to Mike Itemuagbor, CEO of Pamodzi Sports International, the event’s organizers.
In 2026, the Okpekpe Race will return with greater vigor. Uncontrollable circumstances made it impossible for us to hold this year. Many athletes and authorities have contacted us to participate in the event, which was supposed to take place last month. We informed them that the race will return for its 11th edition the following year, Itemuagbor said.
A unique place in Nigerian sports history is occupied by the Okpekpe Road Race. In 2015, it became the first road race in West Africa to be granted label status and the first road-running competition in Nigeria to have its course measured by a World Athletics-certified course measurer.
Eight years after World Athletics started dividing road races into different categories, this award was given. Since then, the race has evolved from a bronze to the first 10km road race in West Africa to receive a gold label.
The event’s world-class status, which draws top athletes from all over the world, is indicated by its label status. Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Morocco, Bahrain, and Nigeria are just a few of the countries that have participated in the event over the years.
In addition to establishing Nigeria on the international sports scene, the event has encouraged other race organizers in the nation to aim for label status.
In addition to its athletic value, the event has had a profound impact on the Okpekpe village and the surrounding area. Edo State has benefited economically and tourism-wise from the event, which has introduced the little, rural town to the outside world.
Other road races in Nigeria have grown as a result of the race, and many of them now have their courses measured by qualified experts.
“We would like to express our gratitude to the thousands of people who reached out to us through phone calls, emails, and social media accounts, and reassure them that the event is here to stay, not just return in May,” Itemuagbor emphasized.
Top finishers in the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race will get substantial prize money. In each gender category, the champion takes home $15,000, while the runners-up take home $8,000 and $5,000, respectively. The prizes for fourth and fifth place are $3,000 and $2,000, respectively.
Athletes who set a new African or world mark win $5,000, while those who break the course record receive a $2,000 extra. Elite runners are encouraged to push themselves to the limit and produce outstanding results by this incentive.
Over the years, the race has witnessed some incredible performances. Daniel Ebenyo established the men’s course record in 2023 at 28:28, and Caroline Kipkirui set the women’s record that same year at 32:38.
The Okpekpe Road Race is anticipated to carry on its tradition of excellence when it returns in May 2026. The event’s organizers are dedicated to making sure it stays a top-tier competition, enhancing Nigeria’s standing as a top road racing destination.
“We are thrilled that we have been able to make Nigeria a sort of global sports destination, opened up the rural, rustic Okpekpe community and its surroundings to the world, and inspired so many other road race organizers to follow in our footsteps and strive for label status,” Itemuagbor said.
Athletes and spectators alike are anticipating another exciting Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, where records might be broken, new champions could be crowned, and Nigeria’s sporting reputation could be further elevated.
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