By Victor Okoye
The National Sports Commission (NSC), in collaboration with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and World Athletics, has concluded plans to host the 2026 Africa Road Running Race in Lagos.
The event, which will be the first of its kind on the continent, is scheduled to hold in February 2026.
Speaking at a world press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, Alexis Cisternino, Head of Road Race Running at World Athletics, said the race would be a corporate event rather than a competition for professional athletes.
He explained that World Athletics endorsed the initiative due to the rapid growth of sports in Nigeria and across Africa.
“The road race started in the 1970s, and the second edition was held in the 1980s,” he said.
“Between 2022 and 2023, it was revived with events like the London City Race.”
Cisternino said the Lagos race is part of a broader plan to promote the culture of road running in Africa.
He added that a two-day technical workshop would also hold to support the development of the sport on the continent.
“We want the 10km race in Abuja next year to meet the same global standards as those held in Sydney,” he said.
NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, said the Commission endorsed the race because it aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He emphasised the need for strategic efforts to develop long-distance running in Nigeria.
“Road races are now popular across many cities in Nigeria,” he said.
“The NSC is working to revive long-distance training centres in Plateau, Taraba, and Adamawa.”
He expressed optimism that the event would stimulate greater public interest in road running.
“I’m glad that cities like Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Kaduna, and Okpekpe are embracing marathons,” he said.
Dikko also confirmed that prizes would be awarded to both local and international participants.
Earlier, NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, said efforts were underway to involve all athletics federations in Africa and attract corporate sponsors to the Lagos event.
He commended World Athletics for choosing Nigeria ahead of other African nations.
“It’s an honour that Nigeria was selected instead of South Africa or Kenya,” Olopade said.
Second Vice President of the AFN, Solomon Ogba, said the race would further position Lagos as a leading destination for global sporting events.
He disclosed that the Africa Road Running Race would hold shortly after the 2026 Lagos Marathon in February. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
