By Lois Otse Adams
The elite race commenced at exactly 9:00 am, seeing Ethiopia demonstrating its strength in long-distance running as Mamo Lama and Silenet Bitwe secured impressive victories in the men’s and women’s categories respectively at the 2026 Okpekpe International 10km Road Race held on Saturday 30th May, 2026.
The 2026 edition once again attracted some of the world’s finest long-distance runners, with Ethiopia reaffirming its dominance in distance running. In the elite men’s category, Mamo Lama of Ethiopia emerged victorious with a time of 29 minutes, 37 seconds, while fellow Ethiopian Aroge Getehn finished second in 29:39. Kenya’s Maxon Kyngetich secured third position with a time of 29:58. The elite women’s category also witnessed strong performances from East African athletes, as Silnat Pitwe of Ethiopia claimed first place in 34:18, narrowly ahead of compatriot Mahait Kasahiou, who finished in 34:19, while Friday Ndinda of Kenya placed third in 34:50.
In the Nigerian elite men’s category, Plateau State athletes dominated the podium. Having Raymond Ilya Gyang emerged first with a time of 30:29, followed by Boyi James in 30:40, while Sunday Rotshak finished third in 30:44. Furthermore, the Nigerian women’s category was won by Patient Daylop, who clocked 36:42; Abuso Rose Thomas finished second in 36:51, while Vivian Nenyitwe secured third place with a time of 37:42
Silenet Bitwe
The race that began at Apana Road and finished in Okpekpe town, with the route lined by school pupils from the community and sponsors’ banners on both sides, was well attended by global and local sports icons, academics and government functionaries, hosting the former Governor and current Senator, Adams Oshiomhole representing Edo North, Honourable Minister of Regional Planning, His Excelency, Engineer Abubakar Momoh, and other state officials, including Edo State University Vice Chancellor Prof. Victor Olawale Adetimirin, who led a large team of staff and student volunteers.
The ceremonial and VIP race that followed at 10:05 a.m., shortly after the elite athletes had begun their race, it was interestingly commended by cheer givers who watched Athletes like Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), His Excellency Comrade Philip Shaibu, who once again, demonstrated his enduring passion for sports and physical fitness as he successfully completed the 2026 Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, finishing in 1 hour, 18 minutes and retaining his previous record in the prestigious race, alongside former Governor of Edo State and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, who crossed the finish line in 1 hour, 17 minutes and 57 seconds.
The Okpekpe Race is a 10km international road race held annually in the hilly town of Okpekpe, Etsako East LGA, Edo North, Edo State. As the Nigeria’s first and West Africa’s first internationally certified road race, since its inception in 2013, the event has become a fixture on the World Athletics calendar. The transformation began with the construction of a road in the Imiegba area under former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, opening up the once-quiet farming town and drawing elite athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, and beyond while boosting tourism and income in Edo North.
Historically, the inaugural race on May 4, 2013, initiated by Governor Oshiomhole in 2012, doubled as a carnival with masquerades and large turnouts of locals, and offered $100,000 in prize money that attracted athletes from Ethiopia and Kenya. In 2015, the course was measured and certified by World Athletics, becoming the first road race in Nigeria and West Africa to earn World Athletics Label status. It progressed from Bronze to Silver and is now a Gold Label race.
For 2026, Okpekpe is one of only 40-41 Gold Label road races worldwide and one of just three on the African continent. The status confirms that the race meets strict international standards for organisation, safety, course accuracy, and timing, with results counting toward global rankings and records. The race has attracted elite runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Eritrea, Morocco, Israel, Bahrain, and Nigeria.
Okpekpe has grown from a rustic village into a global destination, showcasing Edo North’s culture and scenery while creating investment opportunities. Corporate sponsorship was scarce in the early years, but the event now has backing from Access Bank, Ecobank, Nigerian Breweries, and STACO Insurance. Key figures include Oshiomhole, named race ambassador in 2026; Mike Itemuagbor, CEO of Pamodzi Sports Marketing and race promoter; and Yasser Ahmed, CEO of Premier Sports Timing. Broadcast live globally on AIT, M4STV, and streaming platforms, the 2026 race drew international attention as the only Gold Label race worldwide at the time. Measured by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, it welcomed participants from across the world, with invitations extended to all CAA member federations and military teams, supported by World Athletics, AFN, the Edo State Government, and AIMS.
Beyond sports, organisers say the race has become a tool for community development and for projecting Nigeria’s image abroad, showing that the country is safe for international events even in rural areas. It also gives local Edo athletes a chance to compete for dedicated prize money. Unlike the 10th edition, where Kenyans swept all prizes, the 11th edition was closely contested, with Ethiopians emerging as winners.
Guests commended the consistency of the organizers of the Okpekpe Road Race, describing the event as one of Nigeria’s most successful international sporting competitions, noting that, beyond the sporting excitement, the race continues to generate significant economic benefits for communities across Etsako land and Edo North Senatorial District, attracting visitors, athletes, officials and tourists from across Nigeria and beyond.
Guests also acknowledged the critical role of government support in sustaining the race over the years through successive governments while commending the sponsors for their unwavering commitment to the growth of athletics in Nigeria.
With excitement, beyond the official prize money provided by the organizers, Chairman of Oceawave Group, Mr. Peter Dunia, announced additional cash rewards for the top Nigerian finishers. The first, second and third-place winners in both the men’s and women’s Nigerian categories received 3 million, 2 million and 1 million respectively, a gesture widely applauded by athletes and stakeholders.
The Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, the first World Athletics-certified road race in West Africa, has continued to grow in stature and remains a major platform for promoting athletics, tourism and economic activities in Edo State. The 11th edition marked more than another running of Nigeria’s premier 10km race, reflecting how infrastructure and sports can place a rural community on the global map and create job opportunities.
All participants received their medals and certificates, while prizes were given to deserving Athletes.
