By Ben Efe 24.8.2026
Preparations have kicked into gear for the 2026 Olojo Festival 5km race billed for September 24, 2026, in Ile-Ife, Osun State Nigeria.
The road race which was inaugurated in 2025 is part of the famous annual Olojo Festival held in Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba civilisation. According to race promoter and former Nigerian and African 100mh champion Taiwo Aladefa, is meant to add more fun through sports to the festival, promote healthy living, bring development to the community and help preserve valuable Yoruba culture.
“2025 was just a trial run and it was a good outing. The Olojo Festival 5km race has come to stay as the Ooni of Ife and the citizens have fully embrace it and it would gracefully be part of the annual festival.
“Preparations and registrations are ongoing, the Osun Athletics Association and technical officials are making plans. We are looking forward to a good run and also there is a fantastic winning prize of N1m for both male and female categories,” Aladefa said.
Already top Nigerian long-distance runners like Ismail Sadjo who won the men’s race and Esther Chihurumnanya Affigbo the women’s category winner are warming to storm Ile-Ife, others expected include Nyango Gyang BoyiRaymond Iliya Gyang, Blessing Shambor Solomon, Joy David Abiye and Charity Agofure.