Ethiopians Continue Their Dominance at the 2026 Okpekpe International 10km Road Race

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Ethiopians Lema Alemu Mamo and Silnat Pitwe claimed the elite men’s and women’s titles at the 2026 Okpekpe International 10km Road Race in Okpekpe, Edo State, held yesterday.

Mamo secured the men’s championship and the top prize of $15,000 with a time of 29 minutes 37 seconds.

His compatriot Arage Getehn finished second in 29 minutes 39 seconds, earning the $8,000 runner‑up prize.

Kenyan runner Maxon Kipngetich came in third, crossing the line in 29 minutes 58 seconds and receiving the $5,000 consolation award.

In the women’s division, Pitwe dominated the field, completing the course in 34 minutes 18 seconds and taking the same $15,000 prize as Mamo. Ethiopian Mahait Kasahwu finished second in 34 minutes 19 seconds, earning $8,000, while Kenyan Fridah Ndinda was third in 34 minutes 50 seconds and received $5,000.

The Nigerian categories were led by Plateau runners. Raymond Iliya Gyang retained his title from the 2024 edition, finishing in 30 minutes 29 seconds. Boyi James and Sunday Rotshak completed the podium in 30 minutes 40 seconds and 30 minutes 44 seconds, respectively.

Patience Dalyop, Abuso Rose Thomas, and Vivian Nenyitwe finished first, second, and third in the women’s Nigerian category with times of 36 minutes 42 seconds, 36 minutes 51 seconds, and 37 minutes 40 seconds.

The ceremony highlighted a significant increase in prize money for the Nigerian categories, announced by Peter Dunia, Managing Director of Ocean Wave Limited. He raised the awards to N1 million, N2 million, and N3 million for the men’s and women’s categories.

Former Edo State governor and senator for Edo North, Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, won the VIP category.

After the medal presentation, Oshiomhole praised race convener Mike Itemuagbor for maintaining the competition, now in its 11th edition.