Okpekpe International 10km race gets global broadcast deal

The Okpekpe International 10km Road Race will be broadcast live globally on May 30, organisers have announced.

The race, which became the first road race in West Africa to earn World Athletics Label status, has grown into one of Africa’s leading road running events since it was first staged in 2013.

The competition begins at Apana Road and finishes in Okpekpe, Edo State, with athletes expected to navigate a challenging 10km course made up of hills and tarred roads.

Elite runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Nigeria are expected to compete in the 2026 edition alongside some of the country’s top road runners.

Kenya’s Daniel Simiu Ebenyo currently holds the men’s course record of 28 minutes and 28 seconds, while Kenya-born Kazakhstani athlete Caroline Chepkoech Kipkirui holds the women’s record of 32 minutes and 38 seconds set during the ninth edition in 2023.

Organisers said the race’s Gold Label status and prize money continue to attract international participation.

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

The live coverage will be available on M4STV’s website and mobile applications, including Google Play Store, Apple App Store, Roku and Amazon Appstore.

A veteran athletics journalist and member of the World Athletics Media Study Group will provide commentary during the event.

Beyond athletics, the race has also been credited with boosting tourism and investment opportunities in Edo State, particularly in Okpekpe, known for its hilltop scenery and agricultural potential.