Elite Athletes Arrive for 11th Okpekpe 10km Race

The 11th Okpekpe 10km Road Race, recognized with a World Athletics gold label, is set to take place on May 30 in Okpekpe, Edo State. Ethiopian athlete Lemi Teshom, ranked 11th fastest in the world for the 10km distance, and Kenyan Fridah Ndinda are among the elite competitors arriving in Lagos en route to Auchi.

Teshom, only 19 years old, aims to break the Kenyan dominance in the men's category, which was last won by compatriot Yasin Haji in 2022. Ndinda seeks to succeed Gladi Kwamboka, the 2023 winner in the women's category.

Other notable athletes include Kenyans Victor Kimosop, Julius Kibowen Kipkwoni, and Mazon Kipngetich, all of whom have broken the 28-minute barrier this year. Defending men's champion Jame Musa will face competition from 2023 winner Ismael Sadjo, while Patience Daylop Mwavwang aims for a hat-trick victory in the women's category against multiple champion Deborah Pam Badung.

The race is significant as it is the first road race in West Africa to receive World Athletics label status.