Nigerian endurance athlete, Dare Samuel Akinrodoye, better known as Coach Dreh, is set to embark on a 226-kilometre triathlon from Osun to Lagos, in what organisers describe as a major test of physical strength, mental endurance and resilience.

The event, tagged “The 226 Challenge”, is scheduled to hold on September 27, 2026, and will span Osun, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states.

According to the organisers, the challenge will begin with a 3.8-kilometre swim at Owala Lake in Osun State, followed by a 180-kilometre cycling route through Osun, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states before concluding with a 42.2-kilometre marathon to the Lagos State Government House.

Speaking on the initiative, Coach Dreh said the challenge was inspired by a setback that prevented him from participating in an international triathlon.

He said rather than allow the disappointment stop him, he decided to create a world-class endurance event in Nigeria.

“If the opportunity doesn’t come to us, we will create it ourselves,” he said.

The athlete said the challenge was designed to promote resilience, self-belief and the growth of endurance sports in Nigeria.

Organisers added that beyond sport, the event aims to inspire young Nigerians, encourage healthy living and demonstrate the country’s capacity to host large-scale endurance competitions.

Coach Dreh previously drew national attention in 2024 when he swam across the 11.8-kilometre stretch of water beneath the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos to raise awareness about mental health.

The feat, which started from Oworonshoki and ended at Adeniji-Adele, lasted two hours and 33 minutes.

The organisers said a dedicated digital platform would provide live tracking, route updates and real-time coverage of the challenge to enable public participation and engagement.

The challenge is expected to end at the Lagos State Government House.