Okpekpe race driving Sports Tourism, Economic Growth — Alli

Posted : 28 May 2026

As preparations intensify for the 11th edition of the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, organisers say the event is no longer just about athletics but has evolved into a major platform for sports tourism and economic development in Nigeria.

Technical Director and General Coordinator of the race, Olympian Yusuf Alli, revealed that more than 50 elite athletes from different parts of the world are expected to compete in Saturday’s race in Edo State, further underlining the global appeal of West Africa’s first World Athletics Gold Label road race.

According to Alli, athletes and officials have already started arriving in the country ahead of what he described as another world-class edition of the competition.

“The athletes started arriving from across the world on Monday, May 25, and preparations have reached advanced stages,” Alli said.

“All technical departments are fully ready and our personnel are working tirelessly to ensure another successful event.”

Since its inception, the Okpekpe Road Race has steadily grown into one of Africa’s most recognised road races, attracting elite runners while also boosting commercial activities within host communities.

Alli noted that participation has continued to increase annually, with this year’s edition expected to record the highest number of elite competitors in the history of the race.

“At the last edition we had over 40 elite athletes, but this year the number will exceed 50 because of the interest shown by athletes around the world,” he stated.

“The steady increase reflects the credibility and international standard the race has attained.”

With thousands of visitors, athletes, and officials expected in Edo State for the competition, organisers say security and medical arrangements have been significantly strengthened to ensure a smooth exercise.

Alli disclosed that security agencies would fully monitor the race routes before, during, and after the competition.

“Our athletes and guests will be adequately protected throughout the event,” he assured.

He also praised the race’s medical structure, led by Dr. Sam Ogbondeminu, describing him as one of the leading sports medical professionals in global athletics.

“Dr. Sam Ogbondeminu is the first Nigerian medical doctor certified by World Athletics as a medical director. Since the race started, we have maintained high medical standards and we’ve had no major issues,” Alli said.

Despite the international success of the Okpekpe Race, Nigerian athletes are yet to win the competition, with East African runners dominating previous editions.

However, Alli expressed optimism that local athletes would soon challenge for top honours as long-distance running culture continues to develop in the country.

“Our athletes are improving gradually and we believe the breakthrough moment will come,” he said.

“We are hopeful that talents, especially from areas like the Mambilla Plateau, will eventually make Nigeria proud in long-distance races.”

Beyond competition, Alli stressed that road races across Nigeria now have the capacity to stimulate local economies through tourism, hospitality, and business activities.

He pointed to the growing number of races being organised nationwide as evidence that the sector is expanding rapidly.

“Today, road races are taking place in Lagos, Abeokuta, Abuja, Bayelsa, Jos, and other parts of the country,” he noted.

“What we need now is to build stronger economic value around these events because the commercial opportunities are enormous.”

As anticipation builds ahead of Saturday’s race, organisers remain confident that the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race will once again reinforce its status as the benchmark for road racing in West Africa.

The event stands as a powerful testament to how sports can drive tangible infrastructural attention and community empowerment. By consistently maintaining world-class standards, the race continues to position Nigeria as a prime destination for global athletic excellence and tourism.

Okpekpe race driving Sports Tourism, Economic Growth — Alli

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