Nilayo Sports Management Limited, the premier sports marketing and event management agency in Africa, has officially announced the return of the highly anticipated Great Abeokuta 10KM Race. After a brief hiatus and an intentional skip last year, the defining road race of the ancient Egba capital is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

In a historic twist aimed at celebrating homegrown talent, organizers have revealed that the 2026 edition will be a strictly local affair, exclusively open to Nigerian participants. Crucially, despite the domestic focus, the total prize money remains completely unchanged. This decision guarantees that Nigerian long-distance runners will be rewarded with the exact same lucrative financial payouts typically claimed by visiting international elite athletes.

Speaking on the strategic vision behind this year’s setup, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, stated:

“The Great Abeokuta 10KM Race has always been a cultural and athletic celebration for Ogun State and the country at large. Following our skip last year, we wanted to return with an edition that directly empowers our own. By making this a strictly domestic race while keeping our premium prize purse completely intact, we are ensuring that Nigeria’s finest runners are rewarded commensurately. Our athletes put in world-class effort, and this year, they will take home the world-class rewards they rightfully deserve.”

The 10KM route will honor its rich heritage, guiding runners through the scenic and culturally significant landscapes of Abeokuta, testing their endurance against the city’s famous undulating terrain.

Registration Details

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking to participate can lock in their spots starting next week:

  • Online Registration: Commences officially on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, via the race’s official web portal.
  • Physical Registration: Running concurrently from July 15, physical forms will be available for pickup and submission at designated hubs across the city of Abeokuta, including the MKO Abiola Stadium.

As with previous editions, registration remains entirely free for all participants, in line with NSML’s commitment to youth development, grassroots sports promotion, and healthy living. Further updates will be unveiled by the organizing committee in the coming weeks.