The Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has retained its Gold Label status from World Athletics, marking its continued standing as Africa's leading 10km road race. The 11th edition is set for Saturday, May 23, 2026, and will be the only World Athletics Label road race globally scheduled on that date. The event, which began in 2013 in Edo State, Nigeria, earned Bronze status in 2015, upgraded to Silver in 2018, and achieved Gold in 2022 before this renewal. The race route starts at Apana Road and stretches 10 kilometres through hilly terrain to Okpekpe town, testing elite endurance levels.
Kenya's Daniel Ebenyo holds the men's course record with a time of 28:28, while Caroline Chepkoech Kipkirui, representing Kazakhstan, holds the women's record at 32:38. The race has evolved beyond sport, becoming a cultural and economic catalyst for Edo North Senatorial District, drawing tourism and commerce annually. Zack Amodu, director of organisation, described the Gold Label renewal as recognition of the event's consistent standards. "Okpekpe is not just a race; it is Africa's pride and Nigeria's gift to the world," Amodu said. He added, "On May 23rd, the hills of Edo will echo with the footsteps of champions, and history will once again be written."
When Zack Amodu calls Okpekpe "Africa's pride," he's not making a boast—it's a statement backed by a Gold Label status that few continental races hold. The fact that the 2026 edition stands alone on the global calendar on May 23 means Nigeria will host the world's sole elite road race that day, a rare moment of focus. This isn't just about prestige; it's proof that African events can meet and sustain international standards. Okpekpe's real win is turning a local hillside run into a global benchmark.
