Okpekpe 2026: We're ready to deliver world class race -Yusuf Alli

11TH OKPEKPE INTERNATIONAL 10KM ROAD RACE:

We're ready to deliver world class race -Yusuf Alli

The 11th Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, the premier Gold Label Race in West Africa, comes up this Saturday, May 30, 2026, in Okpekpe, Edo State.

Sportsville caught up with the Technical Director and General Co-ordinator of the Race, Olympian Yusuf Alli, on the general preparations.

Excerpts.

The 2026 Okpekpe 10Km Road Race is slated for this Saturday. Talk to us on expectations and arrangements made thus far:

The athletes started arriving from across the world since Monday May 25th ahead of the race this weekend. As we speak, all the technical areas have been perfected and our personnels are working round the clock to ensure we achieve a great race on Saturday.

How many elite athletes are expected at this year’s event:

At the last edition, we had over 40 elite athletes, but for this edition, the number should be above 50 because of those who have shown interest to be here to compete. Sincerely, the numbers keep increasing at every edition. This should tell you of the pedigree of the race!

Are there specific changes for this year’s event compared to the previous edition:

I will say security, we have significantly improved security around our runners because of the current situation in the country. Our athletes will be closely monitored, and the routes will be properly covered before, during, and after the race.

Now, let's look at the area of medical. Do you have a competent Medical team to deliver a world-class service

Yes, we have! Dr. Sam Ogbondeminu is the medical director for race. His profile as the first Nigerian medical doctor to become a World Athletics-certified medical director speaks of his competence. Since the inception of the race, some of the best brains have been handed this very important aspect, and by my record, there has been no issue at all, so we trust Dr. San Ogbondeminu and his team to deliver excellently on Saturday

No Nigerian has won the race since it inception, the East Africans have always dominated, what do you make of this?:

Yes, it's of concern that our long distance runners are still trying to meet up with their counterparts from East Africa, however the road race culture is improving in Nigeria and we believe that very soon our brothers from the Mambilla part of Plateau State, who are built for long distance races, will make the country proud…very soon!

Lastly, how can the road race culture become economically viable across the nation:

I think we are almost there, aside Okpekpe, we already have marathon races in Lagos, Abeokuta, Bayelsa, Abuja, Jos, and several other places across the nation. All we need to do is create an economic value chain around these events and the commercial impact will be significantly felt.

Thank you for your time

Thank you Sportsville for your wonderful support, we appreciate your support especially in your daily countdown which has kept us on our toes.