Okpekpe International 10km Road Race Set for 2026 Return

Posted : 11 June 2025

The Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, one of Nigeria’s premier road-running events, is set to return in May 2026 after logistical challenges forced the cancellation of the 2025 edition.

Mike Itemuagbor, CEO of Pamodzi Sports Marketing, the event organizers, confirmed the return and promised a grander 11th edition that will reaffirm the race’s world-class status.

“The Okpekpe race is coming back stronger in 2026. Circumstances beyond our control ensured we could not hold this year. We’ve received numerous inquiries from athletes and officials eager to participate, and we assured them the race will be back next year,” said Itemuagbor.

The Okpekpe Road Race holds a special place in Nigerian athletics history. It was the first Nigerian race to have its course officially measured by a World Athletics-certified measurer, and in 2015, it became the first West African race to receive label status from World Athletics—an acknowledgment of its global standard.

The race has evolved from bronze to gold label status, welcoming elite athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Morocco, Bahrain, and Nigeria.

Beyond its sporting value, the race has brought economic and tourism benefits to the Okpekpe community in Edo State, transforming the rural town into a global athletics destination. It has also inspired the development of other certified road races across Nigeria.

“We thank the thousands who reached out via calls, emails, and social media. We assure them that we are not only coming back next May, but the event has come to stay,” Itemuagbor added.

The Okpekpe race offers significant prize money:

1st place (per gender): $15,000
2nd place: $8,000
3rd place: $5,000
4th and 5th places: $3,000 and $2,000 respectively
Bonus: $2,000 for breaking the course record; $5,000 for new African or World records.

Course Records:

Men’s Record: 28:28 by Daniel Ebenyo (2023)
Women’s Record: 32:38 by Caroline Kipkirui (2023)

As plans for 2026 ramp up, organizers are focused on delivering another thrilling and globally recognized edition, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leading sports destination. “We are proud to have turned Nigeria into a sports destination and to have opened up Okpekpe to the world. The impact is undeniable,” concluded Itemuagbor.

Okpekpe International 10km Road Race Set for 2026 Return

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