International attention reaches a fever pitch in anticipation of the Okpekpe 10km competition

The upcoming 11th edition of the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, slated for May 23, 2026, has sparked a notable increase in global interest, with a considerable number of elite athletes from Africa and Europe seeking to participate, according to the event's organisers.

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The Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, a World Athletics Gold Label event and Nigeria's premier road-running competition, has garnered significant attention from East African powerhouses such as Kenya and Ethiopia, as well as European competitors, further solidifying its position on the international calendar.

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Race director Zack Amodu noted on Saturday that the organisation has received a substantial influx of applications, with athletes not only completing online registrations but also persistently seeking confirmation through various communication channels, thereby placing considerable pressure on the organisers.

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Amodu explained that the influx of interest has been overwhelming, with athletes registering online and then bombarding the organisation with messages inquiring about the status of their confirmation, stating "The requests have been massive, after registering online, they bombard us with messages asking why they are not confirmed."

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However, Amodu highlighted that the organisation is restricted by global athletics regulations, which prohibit direct dealings with elite athletes without agents, thereby limiting the number of confirmations that can be issued, as he noted "But we cannot confirm them because most do not have managers, and it is against World Athletics rules to deal directly with elite athletes without agents."

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Amodu further outlined the strict selection criteria required to maintain the race's Gold Label status, emphasizing that only top-tier athletes can be prioritised, and that the organisation's approach is guided by compliance with international standards and the need to preserve the quality of competition.

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He stated "Our first consideration is to register as many gold-level running athletes as required to fulfil one of the conditions for organising a Gold label race, after this, we then give consideration to other World Athletics-certified elite runners," underscoring the importance of adhering to World Athletics regulations.

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Since becoming the first road race in West Africa to attain label status in 2015, the Okpekpe race has continued to build a reputation as one of Africa's elite road events, and remains one of only two Gold Label 10km races on the continent this year, solidifying its position as a premier international competition.

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World Athletics technical delegate Norrie Williamson has endorsed the event, praising its distinct features and high organisational standards, and describing it as "unique in its setting and organisation", thereby reinforcing its global appeal.

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Beyond elite competition, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race retains strong local significance, with former Edo State governor and current senator Adams Oshiomhole, who played a key role in developing the infrastructure that hosts the race, continuing to champion the event.

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As part of his preparations for this year's edition, Oshiomhole shared details of his personal fitness routine, reflecting the demanding terrain of the course, remarking "Getting ready for Okpekpe race in May 2026, it's good to start practising… To cover 10km in a mainly hilly environment with valleys, and fresh air."

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Organisers have also extended the registration window for Nigerian athletes until early next month in a bid to encourage broader domestic participation, particularly from runners in Edo State and surrounding regions, many of whom view the event as both a competition and a cultural celebration.

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Amodu reiterated the importance of local involvement and the experience the race offers, stating "We want as many Nigerians as possible to come, not just to savour the beautiful scenery of Okpekpe and the hospitality of the people, but also to be part of a Gold Label race," thereby underscoring the event's significance to the local community.