Elite Athletes Set for 11th Okpekpe 10km Road Race

The 11th Okpekpe International 10km Road Race is scheduled for Saturday in Okpekpe, Edo State, attracting elite athletes from various countries. Among the top competitors are 19-year-old Kenyan runner Lemi Teshom, who is currently ranked among the fastest men in the 10km distance, and Fridah Ndinda, a Kenyan runner aiming for victory in the women's category.

Teshom seeks to end Kenya's dominance in the men's race, which was last won by compatriot Yasin Haji in 2022. Ndinda aims to succeed fellow Kenyan Gladi Kwamboka, the 2024 champion.

Other notable competitors include defending men's champion Jame Musa and women's champion Patience Daylop, who is looking for a hat-trick of victories. The race is recognized as West Africa's first road race to receive World Athletics Gold Label status, with the course measured and certified by World Athletics.

The men's course record is held by Kenya's Daniel Simiu Ebenyo at 28:28, while the women's record is held by Kazakhstan's Carolin Chepkoech Kipkirui at 32:38.