Sunday Dare, Olopade Grace 2026 Abeokuta 10km Race

The ancient city of Abeokuta came alive in the early hours of Saturday, October 3, 2026, as the fifth edition of the Great Abeokuta 10KM Race, organized by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Africa’s leading sports marketing and event management company, returned in grand style.

The highly anticipated road race, which made a comeback after the organizers deliberately skipped the 2025 edition, was graced by top dignitaries including the former Minister of Youth and Sports Development and current Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Hon. Sunday Dare, and the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, alongside sports administrators, sponsors and other notable personalities.

The 2026 edition was initially billed for September 26, 2026, but organizers announced a new date of October 3.

According to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, the adjustment became necessary due to plans and arrangements that could not be overlooked, assuring that it would not affect the quality, significance and overall plans for the event.

More than 1,000 participants took part in the race, which flagged off at exactly 7am from Macjob Grammar School, Onikolobo, and traversed through the scenic and culturally significant streets of Abeokuta, famous for its undulating terrain, before finishing at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto.

As part of the build-up, kit collection commenced on Wednesday, September 30 and ran until Friday, October 2, at the parking lot of the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.

In a bold and landmark decision designed to celebrate and empower Nigerian athletics, the 2026 edition was restricted exclusively to Nigerian athletes.

Despite being a local-only race, NSML maintained the elite prize purse at the same level traditionally contested by international athletes.

The overall winners in both categories received $1,000, while first and second runners-up received $750 and $500 respectively, with every finisher receiving a commemorative medal.

Musa Francis James emerged winner of the men’s category in 30:25.33, followed by Ilya Raymond who finished second in 30:38.06 and Gyang Sunday who completed the podium in 30:47.00.

In the women’s category, Akanbi Aderonke Olufunmilayo claimed victory in 35:00.69, with Bulus Mary Jah finishing second in 35:58.71 and Nwantiyi Teyei Davou third in 36:03.09.

During the medal presentation ceremony, Hon. Sunday Dare was invited to the podium to present medals to some of the outstanding athletes, while Kola Daniel, Special Adviser on Media to the Director General of the National Sports Commission, was also invited to the podium to present a medal.

At the pre-race press conference held at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Mrs. Olopade expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government, Phlo, Bet9ja Foundation, Aquafina and 7UP for their immense support.

She noted that the Ogun State Government has been of immense support as the race runs on their roads.

Race Director, Yusuf Alli, disclosed that adequate logistics were put in place to ensure the safety, comfort and smooth participation of runners.

Mrs. Olopade said the organizers were pleased with the outcome and praised the athletes for their commitment throughout the event, noting that Nilayo will continue to uphold the class and quality it is known for.

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, highlighted the wider opportunities being created for athletes and commended the equal prize money for men and women as a measure to promote equality in sport.

Chief Sunday Dare praised Nilayo Sports Management Limited for staging another top-class road race and commended Abeokuta residents for their impressive turnout and support for sports and healthy living.

Among the dignitaries present were the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka; the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development, Tunde Delu; former Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Adijat Motunrayo Adeleye; and former members of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Femi Allen Taylor and Idowu Olowofuja.

The event ended with a colourful post-race concert at the finish-line area, once again establishing the Great Abeokuta 10KM Race as a cultural and athletic celebration for Ogun State and Nigeria, aligning with the National Sports Commission’s drive to deepen grassroots sports, empower Nigerian athletes and promote healthy living