Ethiopian teenager Lemi Teshome and Kenyan runner Fridah Ndinda headline a deep international lineup for the 11th edition of the World Athletics Gold Label Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, taking place on Saturday in Okpekpe, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The featured athletes are expected to land in Lagos on Friday, before continuing their journey to Auchi ahead of race day.
Teshome, 19, arrives boasting a world ranking of 11th fastest over the 10km distance this year. He set that marker with a time of 27:17 in Lille, France last month, and will be looking to disrupt Kenya’s long-standing grip on the men’s crown. The title has remained with Kenyan athletes without interruption since compatriot Yasin Haji won in 2022.
In the women’s event, Ndinda’s goal is to provide a new winning name after the last two editions’ Kenyan success. She will be aiming to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Gladys Kwamboka, who won the race in 2024.
Among the main international men’s contenders are Kenyans Victor Kimosop, Julius Kibowen Kipkwony and Mazon Kipngetich. Kipngetich has already gone under the 28-minute mark this year, while Uganda’s Enoch Chebet and Tanzania’s Jummanne Ngoya are also in the mix. Further entries include Benjamin Ratsam and Eritrea’s Felicien Muhitira, who posted 2:06:54 in the marathon in 2024.
Sharon Chepkemoi of Kenya and Ethiopia’s Wubrist Aschal are among the leading women’s challengers.
There is also plenty at stake on the local scene. In the men’s race, defending champion James Musa will attempt to hold onto the title he claimed in 2024. He is not expected to have things his own way, with 2023 winner Ismael Sadjo among those ready to challenge for top honours.
On the women’s side, Patience Daylop Mwavwang is chasing a third straight triumph after winning in 2023 and 2024. However, the five-time winner’s road to another title looks tough, with Deborah Pam Badung—multiple champion and targeting her first success since 2019—set to pose a serious threat alongside other contenders.
The Okpekpe event continues to stand out as a trailblazer in West Africa. It was the first road race in the region to earn World Athletics Label status, and it was also the first in Nigeria to have its route measured by a World Athletics-certified official.
Course records add extra context for the field. Kenya’s Daniel Simiu Ebenyo holds the men’s benchmark at 28:28, while Kazakhstan’s Caroline Chepkoech Kipkirui owns the women’s record with 32:38.
