Okpekpe race set for global spotlight with worldwide live broadcast

By Maxwell Kumoye

 

 

The 2026 edition of the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race is set to reach a global audience after organisers confirmed that the event will be broadcast live worldwide on Saturday, May 30.

Widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading road races, the Okpekpe event continues to strengthen its international reputation following its historic emergence as the first road race in West Africa to earn World Athletics Label status.

Since making its debut in 2013, the race has attracted elite long-distance runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Nigeria, growing steadily into a major fixture on the global athletics calendar.

The challenging 10-kilometre course, which begins at Apana Road and finishes in Okpekpe, Edo State, combines steep hills with smooth tarred roads, testing both endurance and tactical discipline among competitors.

Kenya’s Daniel Simiu Ebenyo currently holds the men’s course record of 28 minutes, 28 seconds, while Kazakhstan’s Caroline Chepkoech Kipkirui established the women’s record of 32:38 in 2023. Both marks remain among the standout performances in the race’s history.

Organisers disclosed that this year’s edition will feature a strong lineup of Gold Label elite athletes alongside Nigeria’s top road runners, with prize money and global ranking opportunities expected to intensify competition.

Speaking ahead of the event, Media and Activation Director Dare Esan said the race’s growing international reach reflects Nigeria’s ability to stage world-class sporting competitions.

“Okpekpe has become a fixture on the global calendar since 2015 and continues to showcase Nigeria’s capacity to host world-class events,” Esan said.

The race is also expected to benefit significantly from World Athletics’ new initiative to aggregate livestreams and highlights of Label Road Races across its digital platforms.

Through World Athletics’ official channels, which boast a combined audience of more than 4.5 million subscribers, the Okpekpe race is poised to enjoy its widest global visibility yet.

Organisers believe the livestream coverage will allow athletics fans around the world to follow the action in real time, while professionally produced highlights will further amplify the race’s most exciting moments.

The increased exposure is expected to strengthen the race’s standing as a Gold Label event, while also boosting Nigeria’s profile within the international athletics community.

To enhance the viewing experience, commentary for the broadcast will be handled by a seasoned athletics journalist and former member of the World Athletics Media Study Group, providing expert analysis and detailed storytelling throughout the race.

Beyond athletics, the Okpekpe race has continued to contribute to tourism and economic activities in Edo State, with the community’s scenic hilltop landscape and agricultural potential attracting growing interest from visitors and investors.

With global live streaming now firmly in place, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race appears set not only to deliver elite competition but also to further project Nigeria’s capacity to host sporting events of global significance.