Musa James and Aderonke Akanbi, on Saturday emerged the winner of the 2026 Abeokuta 10km Road Race in both the men and women category respectively.

James finished the race in 30:25.33, followed by Ilya Raymond who finished second in 30:38.06 and Gyang Sunday who completed the podium in 30:47.00.

In the women’s category, Akanbi claimed victory in 35:00.69, with Bulus Mary Jah finishing second in 35:58.71 and Nwantiyi Teyei Davou third in 36:03.09.

The highly anticipated Road Race, which made a comeback after the organisers deliberately skipped the 2025 edition, was graced by top dignitaries including the former Minister of Youth and Sports Development and current Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Hon. Sunday Dare, and the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, alongside sports administrators, sponsors and other notable personalities.

More than 1,000 participants took part in the race, which flagged off at exactly 7am from Macjob Grammar School, Onikolobo, and traversed through the scenic and culturally significant streets of Abeokuta, famous for its undulating terrain, before finishing at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto. As part of the build-up, kit collection commenced on Wednesday, September 30 and ran until Friday, October 2, at the parking lot of the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.

Despite being a local-only race, the organisers maintained the elite prize purse at the same level traditionally contested by international athletes.

The overall winners in both categories received $1,000, while first and second runners-up received $750 and $500 respectively with every finisher receiving a commemorative medal. The event ended with a colourful post-race concert at the finish-line area.