Over 12 foreign atheletes from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Eretrea in for 11th Okpekpe race

Over 12 foreign atheletes from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Eretrea in for 11th Okpekpe race

As Nigerians wake up this morning in anticipation of the much talked about Gold Label race in the country, over 12 foreign atheletes from all over the world are set for the hilly Okpekpe 10 kilometres race in the now famous Okpekpe town in Edo State.

All hotels in Auchi, the nerve centre of the Afemai people of Edo State and the environs are fully booked, with the Race Ambassador and former Governor of the state, Senator Adams Oshiomhole in town to galvanise the people for what it promises to be the best organised marathon race ever in the country and Africa.

Race organisers, Padmozi were yesterday putting everything in place, from accommodation to security to enter the race maintains its standard.

Expectedly, some of the dignatories have arrived town and have been enjoying incomparable hospitality with the big masquerade himself, Chief Mike Itemuagbor personally seeing to their comfort.

Among the foreign participants incle Alemu Mamo Lema from Kenya. He has a Personal Best record of 13:46.87 set in 24 April 24, 2026 in the 5000 metres. That record is his Season Best.

Benjamin Ratsim from Tanzania has a Personal Best and Season Best of 27:47 26 set in April this year.

Kenyan Dennis KipkuruiI ran 28:05 Season Best last year April while Felicien Muhitira of Rwanda has a 

Personal Best of 29:51 he set in 2017. He's returning to Okpekpe two years after with a time of 2:06:54.

Kenyan Edwin Kipyego was 12th rated marathon runner at the World Half Marathon in 2916 and he has a Personal Best of 27:49 set July 08, 2012.

Another Kenyan, Maxon Kiongetich is also in town with his Personal and Season Best of 27:40 set in April 04 this year.

Jummanne Ngoys of Tanzania has a Personal Best of 27:50 on July 13, 2025 and a Season Best of  27:40 in April 4 this year.

The foreign male athletes is complete with Ayele Arega Getahun.

In the women race, we have Fridah Ndinda of Kenya with a Personal and Season Best of 32:21 set March 15 this year, Rahel Daniel of Eritrea with Personal Best of 32:09 set October 12, 2025 and 

Season Best of 32:56.39 just this month. She finished 5th at the 2022 World Championship in the 10,000 metres and 8th at 2022 World Indoors in the 3,000M metres.

We also have Silenat Bitew and Adugna Mahlet Kasahun among the foreign athletes.

PAST WINNERS

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Edition Year Men's winner         Time Women's winner         Time

1st 2013  Moses Masai (KEN) 29:39  Georgina Rono (KEN) 33:01

2nd 2014  Teshome Mekonen (ETH) 28:35  Wude Ayalew (ETH) 32:41

3rd 2015  Alex Korio (KEN) 29:20  Angela Tanui (KEN) 33:34

4th 2016  Simon Cheprot (KEN) 29:48  Polline Wanjiku (KEN) 33:30

5th 2017  Leule Gebrselassie (ETH) 29:28  Azmera Gebru (ETH) 33:59

6th 2018  Alex Kibet (KEN) 29:46  Dera Dida (ETH) 33:00

7th 2019  Dawit Fikadu (BHR) 29:03  Sheila Chelangat (KEN) 33:13

— 2020 Did not hold

— 2021

8th 2022  Yasin Haji (ETH) 29:05  Anchinalu Dessie (ETH) 33:09

9th 2023 CR  Daniel Ebenyo (KEN) 28:28  Caroline Kipkirui (KAZ) 32:38 CR

10th 2024  Edward Zakayo (KEN) 29:31  Gladys Kwamboka (KEN) 33:05