Again, Ethiopians Dominate 2026 Okpekpe International 10km Road

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Ethiopians Lema Alemu Mamo and Silnat Pitwe emerged champions of the elite men and women’s categories of the 2026 Okpekpe International 10km Road Race in Okpekpe, a Edo State yesterday.

Mamo took the men’s title and the top prize of $15,000  with a  time of 29 mins 37 secs. 

His compatriot, Arage Getehn clocked 29 mins 39 secs to settle for the silver and the $8,000 prize money for the men’s second position.

Kenya runner, Maxon Kipngetich hit the finish line in 29 mins 58 secs to place third and was presented with the consolation $5,000. 

In the women’s category, Silnat Pitwe reigned unchallenged, reaching the finish line in 34 mins 18 secs. She also received the same prize money as  Mamo. Another Ethiopian , Mahait Kasahwu (34.19) was second while Kenyan Fridah Ndinda (34.50) was third. They equally received $8,000 and $5,000 respectively for the second and third positions.

For the Nigerian categories, it was dominated by Plateau runners with 

Raymond Iliya Gyang retaining the title he won at the last edition in 2024. Raymond clocked 30.29. Boyi James (30.40) and Sunday Rotshak (30.44) placed second and third.

Patience Dalyop (36.42), Abuso Rose Thomas (36.51) and Vivian Nenyitwe (37.40) placed first, second and third respectively.

The high point of the ceremony was the increase of the prize money for the Nigerian categories by the Managing Director of Ocean Wave Limited, Peter Dunia. 

He increased the prize monies to N1million, N2million and N3million respectively for both the men and women’s categories.

Former Governor of Edo State and the senator representing Edo North in the Senate, Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole won the VIP category.

Speaking after the medals presentation, he commended  convener of the race, Mike Itemuagbor for sustaining the competition now in its 11th edition.