With 30 days to go before the World Athletics Gold Label Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, the organisers have appointed Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole and Yasser Ahmed as ambassadors for the event, underscoring its growing global stature.

Pamodzi Sports Marketing, promoter and organiser of the race, said the appointments reflect the men’s contributions to the credibility and success of the competition, which has become one of Africa’s premier road races.

Padmozi’s CEO, Mike Itemuagbor, who is also the race promoter, explained: “Ambassadors are chosen not just for their public stature but for their direct impact on the growth, sustainability, and international recognition of the Okpekpe race.

“Senator Oshiomhole and the CEO of Premier Sports Timing, Mr Ahmed, embody these qualities, one through infrastructural vision, the other through technical excellence.”

Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State and now a senator, is credited with enabling the race by building the road that gave birth to the event in 2013.

Ahmed has overseen precision timing since its inception, ensuring fairness and international recognition of performances.

The race, scheduled for May 23 in Okpekpe town, Edo State, is one of just 40 gold label road races approved by World Athletics for 2026, and one of only three on the African continent. It holds the distinction of being the first in West Africa to earn Label status.

Kenya’s Daniel Simiu Ebenyo holds the men’s course record of 28:28, while Kenya-born Kazakhstani Caroline Chepkoech Kipkirui set the women’s mark of 32:38 in 2023.