The Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, the first road race to earn a World Athletics Label status in West Africa, will be broadcast live worldwide on May 30, organisers said.
The race, first staged in 2013, has grown into one of Africa’s leading road events and regularly attracts elite athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Nigeria.
It begins at Apana Road and finishes in Okpekpe, Edo State, a hilltop community in Nigeria’s Edo North Senatorial District. The course covers 10 kilometres of hills and tarred roads.
Kenya’s Daniel Simiu Ebenyo holds the men’s course record of 28 minutes 28 seconds, while Kenya-born Kazakhstani Caroline Chepkoech Kipkirui set the women’s mark of 32:38 at the ninth edition in 2023. Both times remain benchmarks for the competition.
Organisers said the 2026 edition will feature a strong field of gold-level running elite athletes alongside Nigeria’s top road athletes, with prize money and Gold Label recognition ensuring international participation.
‘Okpekpe has become a fixture on the global calendar since 2015 and continues to showcase Nigeria’s capacity to host world-class events,’ Media and Activation Director, Dare Esan said.
Coverage will be available on M4STV’s website and mobile applications, including Google Playstore, Apple App Store, Roku and Amazon Appstore.
Commentary will be provided by a journalist with long experience in athletics reporting and membership of the World Athletics Media Study Group.
The event has also been credited with boosting tourism and investment in Edo State, with Okpekpe’s hilltop setting and agricultural potential drawing visitors and investors.
