By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The fifth edition of the Great Abeokuta 10KM Race returned to Ogun State on Saturday, with more than 1,000 athletes competing in an all-Nigerian field for top honours and a $1,000 first prize.
Organized by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, the race flagged off at 7 a.m. from Macjob Grammar School, Onikolobo, and passed through the scenic and undulating streets of Abeokuta before finishing at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto.
The 2026 edition, which returned after the organizers skipped the 2025 race, attracted dignitaries including former Minister of Youth and Sports Development and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, and Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade.
The race was initially scheduled for September 26 but was moved to October 3. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, said the adjustment was necessitated by unavoidable plans and arrangements, assuring that the change would not affect the quality or significance of the event.
In a major initiative to promote Nigerian athletics, the organizers restricted the 2026 race to Nigerian athletes while retaining the elite prize purse traditionally offered to international competitors.
The overall winners in the men’s and women’s categories received $1,000 each, while the first and second runners-up received $750 and $500 respectively. Every finisher also received a commemorative medal.
Musa Francis James won the men’s race in 30:25.33, ahead of Ilya Raymond, who finished in 30:38.06, while Gyang Sunday placed third in 30:47.00.
In the women’s category, Akanbi Aderonke Olufunmilayo emerged winner in 35:00.69, followed by Bulus Mary Jah in 35:58.71 and Nwantiyi Teyei Davou in 36:03.09.
During the medal presentation, Dare and Kola Daniel, Special Adviser on Media to the NSC Director General, presented medals to some of the outstanding athletes.
Speaking at the pre-race press conference at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Olopade expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government, Phlo, Bet9ja Foundation, Aquafina and 7UP for supporting the event.
She said the Ogun State Government had provided significant support for the race, particularly as the event takes place on roads across the state.
Race Director Yusuf Alli said adequate logistics had been put in place to ensure the safety, comfort and smooth participation of the runners.
NSC Director General Olopade commended the organizers for creating opportunities for Nigerian athletes, particularly the decision to maintain equal prize money for male and female winners as part of efforts to promote gender equality in sports.
Dare also commended Nilayo Sports Management Limited for staging another quality road race and praised Abeokuta residents for their strong turnout and support for sports and healthy living.
Other dignitaries at the event included Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka; 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 concluded with a post-race concert at the finish-line area, combining athletics, entertainment and cultural celebration while supporting efforts to promote grassroots sports, empower Nigerian athletes and encourage healthy living.
