Get Guardian on GoogleThe second edition of the yearly Ile-Ife five-kilometre Road Race will hold on September 24 as part of the activities marking the renowned Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State, the organisers have said.
The race, which made its debut during the 2025 Olojo Festival, brought together participants from across West Africa and beyond, establishing it as a sporting platform with growing international appeal.
This year’s edition seeks to build on that success by welcoming all and sundry from across Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the world to Ile-Ife, the historic cradle of Yoruba civilisation and the black race. A city deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Yoruba people, the organisers said.
The yearly road race is part of a broader effort to demonstrate how tradition can evolve while remaining connected to its roots, the organisers said, while describing the Olojo Festival as an ancient cultural celebration that connects the people of Ile-Ife to their history, ancestors and the spiritual foundations of their land.
“The vision goes beyond winning medals. It is about using sport to instil discipline, determination, resilience, confidence and pride in young people, while creating a positive pathway through which their energy and aspirations can be transformed into achievement,” the organisers said in a statement, adding “the Road Race also forms part of a wider vision of positioning Ile-Ife as a destination for culture, tourism, sports and economic development.”
