The organizers of the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race have confirmed that the event will make its return in May 2026, following the cancellation of the 2025 edition due to unforeseen circumstances.
“The Okpekpe race will make a strong comeback in 2026. Unfortunately, factors beyond our control stopped us from holding the event this year,” said Mike Itemuagbor, one of the organizers.
We’ve received numerous inquiries from both athletes and officials who were eager to participate in the race, which was originally scheduled for last month. We’ve reassured them that the race will be back next year for its 11th edition.”
The Okpekpe Road Race holds a notable place in the history of Nigerian sports.
It was the first road-running event in the country to have its course officially measured by a World Athletics-certified course measurer.
In 2015, it made further history by becoming the first road race in West Africa to earn a label status—eight years after World Athletics introduced the race labeling system.
Since then, the event has progressed from a bronze label to achieving the prestigious gold label status, making it the first 10km road race in West Africa to reach this milestone.