Top international elite athletes have begun arriving in Lagos ahead of the 11th edition of the World Athletics Gold Label Okpekpe International 10km Road Race. The race is scheduled to take place on Saturday in Okpekpe, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Ethiopian Star Lemi Teshome Leads Men's Field
Ethiopian runner Lemi Teshome, aged 19, is among the elite athletes expected to arrive in Lagos on Wednesday before proceeding to Auchi. Teshome currently ranks as the 11th fastest man over the 10km distance this year, following his impressive time of 27:17 in Lille, France, last month. He aims to break the Kenyan dominance in the men's category, which has prevailed since 2022 when his compatriot Yasin Haji last won the race.
Kenyan and International Contenders
In the women's category, Kenyan Fridah Ndinda will seek to succeed her compatriot Gladys Kwamboka, who claimed victory in 2024. Other top elite athletes expected in Lagos include Kenyans Victor Kimosop, Julius Kibowen Kipkwony, and Mazon Kipngetich, who has already broken the 28-minute barrier this year. Uganda's Enoch Chebet, Tanzania's Jummanne Ngoya and Benjamin Ratsm, as well as Eritrea's Felicien Muhitira, who clocked 2:06:54 over the full marathon in 2024, are also on the list of international competitors.
Women's Elite Field
For the women, Kenya's Sharon Chepkemoi and Ethiopia's Wubrist Aschal are among the elite athletes expected to compete.
Nigerian Champions Seek to Defend Titles
On the Nigerian front, men's defending champion James Musa will seek to retain the title he won in 2024, but faces stiff competition from 2023 winner Ismael Sadjo. In the women's category, Patience Daylop Mwavwang aims for a hat-trick of wins after her victories in 2023 and 2024. However, she must contend with multiple champion Deborah Pam Badung, who is seeking a return to the podium as champion for the first time since 2019.
Race Legacy and Records
The Okpekpe International 10km Road Race remains a trailblazer in West Africa, being the first road race in the region to be granted a World Athletics Label status and the first in Nigeria to have its course measured by a World Athletics-certified course measurer. Kenya's Daniel Simiu Ebenyo holds the men's course record at 28:28, while Kazakhstan's Caroline Chepkoech Kipkirui holds the women's record at 32:38.
