The Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, Nigeria’s most prestigious road-running event, is set to make a grand comeback on May 23, 2026, with organizers promising new innovations and an even bigger spectacle for its 11th edition.

Mike Itemuagbor, CEO of Pamodzi Sports International, confirmed the return, emphasizing that the race will be stronger than ever after unforeseen circumstances forced the cancellation of last year’s edition.

‘The Okpekpe race is coming back stronger in 2026. Circumstances beyond our control ensured we could not hold last year. We have received a lot of inquiries from both athletes and officials who wanted to participate in the event and we explained to them that the race will come back this year for its 11th edition,’ Itemuagbor said.

The Okpekpe Road Race has carved a special place in Nigerian sports history. It was the first road-running event in the country to have its course measured by a World Athletics-certified measurer and, in 2015, became the first road race in West Africa to earn label status.

Since then, it has grown from bronze to gold label, attracting elite athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Morocco, Bahrain, and Nigeria.

Beyond its athletic prestige, the race has transformed the Okpekpe community in Edo State, opening up the rural town to the world and bringing economic and tourism benefits.

‘We want to thank the thousands that communicated with us via telephones, emails, and our social media handles and assure them that we are not only coming back this May but that the event has come to stay,’ Itemuagbor emphasized.

The race has witnessed remarkable performances, with Daniel Ebenyo setting the men’s course record at 28:28 in 2023 and Caroline Kipkirui holding the women’s record at 32:38.

Organizers say the 2026 edition will introduce fresh innovations designed to enhance the experience for athletes, fans, and the local community, while maintaining its reputation as a world-class competition.

‘We are delighted that we have been able to turn Nigeria into a destination of sort for sports in the world, opened the rustic, rural Okpekpe community and its environs to the world, and have encouraged so many other road race organizers to emulate what we have been doing and get them to aspire to get label status,’ Itemuagbor added.

With anticipation building, the May 23 race promises another thrilling chapter in the legacy of the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, where records may fall, new champions will emerge, and Nigeria’s sporting prestige will shine once again. (Guardian)

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