The peaceful, hilly town of Okpekpe in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State is set to welcome the world as the 11th edition of the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race takes centre stage tomorrow (Saturday), May 30, 2026.
With World Athletics boldly declaring on its website that the next global road race is the Okpekpe event, international attention has shifted to Nigeria for what promises to be a landmark occasion.
Organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing, the Okpekpe race is the only gold label road race scheduled worldwide on that day, making it a unique focal point for athletes, fans, and stakeholders across the globe. It is one of 41 gold label races confirmed for 2026 and the first in West Africa to earn a label rating from World Athletics back in 2015.
Race Director, Zak Amodu, expressed confidence in the preparations, noting that “all arrangements have been concluded for another hitch-free event that will continue to showcase the organizational ability of Nigerians. Moving from bronze in 2015 to gold today is a huge pass mark from World Athletics, and we don’t take it lightly.”
The event will be flagged off by Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, with support from Tonobok Okowa, President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly.
