By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa,
Bayelsa State is set to make history with the maiden edition of the Yenagoa City 10KM Race, as government officials and sports stakeholders declared readiness for the international event at a high-level press conference held on April 3, 2026.
The race, themed “Exposing Bayelsa to the World Through Sports Development,” is designed to position the state as a growing hub for sports while attracting global attention.
Speaking at the briefing, the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Daniel Igali, described the initiative as a strategic move to elevate Bayelsa’s profile on the international sporting stage. He noted that the event marks the first of its kind in the state and called on residents to participate in what he termed a historic occasion.
“We are ready, we are prepared, and we welcome the world to Bayelsa,” Igali said.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, commended Governor Douye Diri and event sponsors for their commitment to sports development. She revealed that over 1,000 athletes have registered for the race, with adequate medical and technical teams already in place.
According to her, the competition will feature three categories: Elite, Indigenous, and Group races. Winners in the Elite category will receive $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second, and $2,000 for third place. The top finisher in the Indigenous category will earn ₦1 million, while the first male and female Bayelsan runners will each receive ₦500,000 from the state government.
The Commissioner for Information, Hon. Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Ebiyai, emphasized the importance of youth engagement in development, urging young people across the state to take part in the race. She also reassured visitors of their safety, describing Bayelsa as one of the most secure states in Nigeria.
“Feel free, enjoy yourselves and the event proceedings,” she said.
Providing technical details, the race’s Technical Manager disclosed that all participants will be equipped with tracking chips to monitor their performance from start to finish. He added that a blue light route system will guide runners throughout the course, while refreshment stations will be strategically placed along the 10-kilometre stretch.
Organizers also confirmed the participation of elite runners from Ethiopia, Uganda, and Kenya, underscoring the race’s international appeal.
They further noted that the 10KM race serves as a preparatory event aimed at testing logistics and technical capacity, with plans to expand into a full marathon in the future.
The race is scheduled to commence on April 4, 2026, in Yenagoa.
