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Okpekpe Race retains Gold Status, set to command global attention again

Posted : 02 April 2026

Nigeria’s flagship road running event, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, has once again secured its prestigious Gold Label status from World Athletics, reinforcing its standing as one of the world’s top-tier 10km races.

The renewal places the 11th edition—scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026—firmly on the global athletics calendar, with the race enjoying the rare privilege of being the only World Athletics Label road race taking place anywhere in the world on that day.

From humble beginnings in 2013, the Okpekpe race has evolved into a globally recognised competition. It made history as the first West African road race to earn a World Athletics label in 2015, progressing steadily from Bronze to Silver in 2018 before attaining Gold status in 2022.

Set against the scenic and demanding terrain of Okpekpe, the race route begins at Apana Road and stretches across undulating hills and paved roads, offering a challenging course that continues to attract some of the best long-distance runners in the world.

Course records remain a testament to the race’s elite quality. Kenya’s Daniel Ebenyo holds the men’s record at 28:28, while Caroline Chepkoech Kipkirui set the women’s benchmark at 32:38.

Beyond the competition, the race has grown into a major economic and cultural driver for the Edo North Senatorial District. Each edition draws visitors, boosts local businesses, and showcases the rich traditions and hospitality of the region.

Speaking on the milestone, race director Zack Amodu described the Gold Label renewal as recognition of consistent excellence and global standards.

With registration already open and anticipation building, all eyes are now set on May 23, when the quiet hills of Edo will once again transform into a global stage for endurance, speed, and sporting prestige.

The 2026 Okpekpe race stands as a beacon of Nigerian sporting excellence, promising to unite world-class athletes on a singular, challenging stage. As the event continues to drive local development and international prestige, it solidifies its legacy as a premier destination on the global running circuit.

 

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