Internationally inclusive race scheduled for September 24, 2026
The Annual Ile-Ife 5KM Road Race is set to return for its second edition on Thursday, 24th September 2026, as part of the activities marking the renowned Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State
The race, which made its debut during the 2025 Olojo Festival, brought together participants from *different states across Nigeria, West African countries and beyond*, establishing the event as a sporting platform with growing international appeal.
This year’s edition seeks to build on that success by welcoming *all and sundry from across Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the world* to Ile-Ife, the historic cradle of Yoruba civilisation and the black race. A city deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Yoruba people.
The Annual Ile-Ife 5KM Road Race represents more than a sporting competition. It is part of a broader effort to demonstrate how *tradition can evolve while remaining connected to its roots*.
The Olojo Festival is an ancient cultural celebration that connects the people of Ile-Ife to their history, ancestors and the spiritual foundations of their land. As the festival continues to grow, modern activities such as sports, traditional games, chess, football competitions and other youth-focused initiatives provide new avenues through which younger generations can connect with and carry forward this heritage.
SPORTS AS A PLATFORM FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
A major focus of the 2026 Road Race is the discovery and development of young athletic talent.
The organisers believe that the streets of Ile-Ife can become a starting point for young people with the potential to progress from local competitions to national and international sporting platforms.
Through the race, young athletes will have opportunities to *discover their abilities, gain exposure, receive mentorship and develop the discipline and resilience required to pursue sporting excellence*.
The vision goes beyond winning medals. It is about using sport to instil *discipline, determination, resilience, confidence and pride* in young people, while creating a positive pathway through which their energy and aspirations can be transformed into achievement.
FROM CULTURAL HERITAGE TO TOURISM AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
The Road Race also forms part of a wider vision of positioning Ile-Ife as a destination for *culture, tourism, sports and economic development*.
Cultural tourism presents opportunities to attract visitors, stimulate local businesses, create employment and generate economic activity. From hotels and restaurants to markets, artisans, textile sellers, entertainers and other small businesses, the increased movement of visitors during the festival creates opportunities for communities to benefit from the celebration.
By connecting the 5KM Road Race with the Olojo Festival, the organisers seek to showcase *the best of Ile-Ife to Nigeria, Africa and the world*, demonstrating that the city’s cultural heritage can coexist with modern sporting and tourism initiatives.
AN OPEN INVITATION TO THE WORLD
The Annual Ile-Ife Road Race is founded on the principle of inclusion and unity. Participants are welcome regardless of their nationality, background, location or level of athletic experience.
The organisers are therefore extending an invitation to runners, professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts, young people, families, corporate organisations, visitors and members of the public from *Nigeria, across Africa and around the world* to be part of the second edition.
The event will take place on *24th September 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon*.
As participants run through the historic streets of Ile-Ife, the race will provide an opportunity to celebrate the city’s heritage while looking towards its future.
The organisers describe the relationship between the two events simply:
*“The Olojo Festival is a gift from our past. The Ile-Ife 5KM Road Race is a promise to our future.”*
Together, the festival and the race represent a vision of Ile-Ife that honours its history while creating opportunities for *talent, culture, tourism, youth development and progress*.
The organisers are calling on *corporate organisations, government agencies, development partners, sports bodies, media organisations and individuals* to support the continued growth of the race and help create a platform through which the talents of young people can be discovered and developed.
The 2026 Annual Ile-Ife 5KM Road Race promises to be a celebration of *sport, culture, unity and the future of Ile-Ife*.
HRH Sooko Adeleke Odewade
Olympian Taiwo Alade’fa
Event Conveners
Annual Ile-Ife Road Race 2026
Info@iferoadrace.com
08101973162.
