With just six days to the 2026 Abeokuta 10km Race, residents of Abeokuta have expressed growing excitement ahead of the fifth edition of the road race, while applauding Nilayo Sports Management Limited for sustaining an event they say has continued to project the Ogun State capital positively.
In separate interviews ahead of the October 3 race, residents described the Abeokuta 10km as more than just a sporting competition, noting that the event has gradually become an important part of the city’s calendar while attracting athletes, fitness enthusiasts, families and sports lovers from different parts of the country.
According to them, the race has provided an opportunity for Abeokuta to host a major sporting event and showcase its hospitality, landmarks and growing interest in sports and healthy living.
One of the residents, Adetokunbo Akinyemi, said the Abeokuta 10km had grown significantly since its inception and had become an event many residents now look forward to.
“The Abeokuta 10km has become something special for the city. Every year, you see the excitement building as the race approaches. It brings people together, gives athletes an opportunity to compete and, most importantly, puts Abeokuta in the news for something positive. Nilayo Sports deserves commendation for keeping the event alive and growing it.”
Another resident, Mrs. Funke Ogunleye, said the combination of the race and other fitness activities had made the event attractive to people beyond professional athletes.
“What makes this race different is the way it involves home grown enthusiasts. The fitness activities also encourage people to pay attention to their health. The fitness drive held on Saturday was a good way to remind people that fitness and healthy living should be part of our everyday lifestyle.”
For Olumide Adebayo, the race has become an avenue for Abeokuta to welcome visitors while creating a lively atmosphere across the city.
“When the Abeokuta 10km takes place, you can feel the difference around the city. Athletes come in, families come out and young people become interested in running and fitness. It gives Abeokuta a different kind of energy. We are happy that the race is returning for the fifth edition, and we are looking forward to another impressive outing.”
Also speaking, Kehinde Balogun, a fitness enthusiast, said the excitement ahead of this year’s edition was already evident, particularly following the fitness drive organised as part of the build-up.
“The fitness drive was a beautiful initiative because it created awareness and gave people a taste of what is coming. You could see people from different walks of life participating and enjoying themselves. It shows that the race has become a community event, not just an athletics competition. I am looking forward to October 3.”
Fitness Drive Builds Momentum
The excitement received another boost on Saturday when fitness enthusiasts, residents and people from different walks of life converged on the MKO Abiola Sports Arena for a fitness drive organised ahead of the race.
The exercise featured physical fitness activities designed to encourage residents to stay active while also drawing attention to the upcoming road race.
Participants were taken through various fitness routines as the organisers used the opportunity to further create awareness about the fifth edition of the Abeokuta 10km Race.
The initiative also reinforced the wider message of the race beyond competition, with emphasis on healthy living, physical activity and community participation.
The event provided an opportunity for residents who may not necessarily participate in the competitive race to identify with the activities and become part of the build-up to October 3.
Race Route Set
Come Saturday, October 3, 2026, athletes will take to the streets of Abeokuta for the fifth edition of the race, with the starting point at Macjob Grammar School, Onikolobo, before proceeding through the designated route and finishing at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.
The race is expected to attract athletes and sports enthusiasts while providing residents with an opportunity to come out, cheer the runners and experience one of the city’s major sporting events.
The event is also expected to draw the attention of top sports stakeholders, several of whom have already shown interest in being part of the fifth edition.
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