Okpekpe 10km Road Race Retains Gold Label Status

World Athletics has officially renewed the gold label status of the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, solidifying its reputation as one of the world's elite road race events. Since its inception in 2013, the race has evolved from a local event in Edo State to a global spectacle, achieving bronze status in 2015, silver in 2018, and finally gold in 2022.

The 11th edition of the race is set to take place on May 23, 2026, ensuring that Nigeria and the rustic town of Okpekpe will once again be in the global spotlight. The race, which begins on Apana Road and winds through rolling hills to finish in Okpekpe, covers a distance of 10 kilometers.

Kenyan athlete Daniel Ebenyo holds the men's course record at 28:28, while Carolin Chepkoech Kipkirui, a Kenyan-born Kazakhstani, holds the women's record at 32:38. The event not only attracts elite athletes but also serves as a cultural and economic showcase for the Edo North senatorial district, transforming the town into a hub for commerce and tourism.