BY OJO SAMSON AYOMIDE
Excitement is building in Yenagoa as athletes and road-race enthusiasts prepare for the highly anticipated Yenagoa City International 10KM Race 2026 scheduled to take place on April 4, 2026, in the capital of Bayelsa State.
The event is expected to attract elite runners from Nigeria and across the world, alongside local athletes and fitness enthusiasts eager to be part of a race designed to promote healthy living, sports tourism, and community participation.
The race will start at Opolo Roundabout along the Isaac Boro Expressway and finish at Peace Park Square on the Mbiama–Yenagoa Road, with the starting gun set for 9:30 a.m. and a race cut-off time of 12:30 p.m.
Organizers, Nilayo Sports Management Ltd. have also announced a lucrative prize structure to reward outstanding performances, with elite male and female winners set to receive $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second, $2,000 for third, $1,000 for fourth, and $500 for fifth, while the indigenous category will reward the best local runners with ₦1,000,000 for first place, ₦500,000 for second, ₦250,000 for third, ₦150,000 for fourth, and ₦100,000 for fifth.
The race, supported by key athletics stakeholders including the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, is part of ongoing efforts to position Yenagoa as a major destination for sporting events while creating opportunities for athletes to showcase their talent on an international stage.
CEO of NSML, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade said the event will not only deliver a thrilling competition but also celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and unity as the city prepares to welcome participants and spectators for a memorable day of athletics.