The ancient city of Ile-Ife is set to once again combine the energy of athletics with the richness of Yoruba heritage as the Ife 5K Road Race returns on September 24, 2026, as part of the iconic Olojo Festival.
The second edition of the cultural road race is being organised by HRH Sooko Adeleke Odewade in partnership with the Alade’fa Athletic Family, building on the vision behind the inaugural edition to create a platform where sports, culture and youth development intersect.
Conceived as more than a competitive race, the Ife 5K Road Race is designed to promote athletic talent discovery, healthy living, community development and the celebration of Ile-Ife’s rich cultural heritage. The race also provides an avenue for young and emerging athletes to gain visibility and connect with opportunities that can support their growth beyond the event itself.
The maiden edition, held on September 25, 2025, established the race as a distinctive addition to the Olojo Festival programme, bringing together athletes, young runners, sports enthusiasts and members of the wider community. Its vision of using sport as a vehicle for youth empowerment and talent development continues to shape the event.
For Sooko Adeleke Odewade and the Alade’fa family, the return of the race represents a renewed commitment to using athletics as a tool for discovering and nurturing potential, while creating a meaningful sporting dimension to one of Ile-Ife’s most significant cultural celebrations.
The partnership also draws strength from the Alade’fa family’s longstanding connection with athletics and its commitment to developing sporting talent. Together, the organisers are positioning the Ife 5K Road Race as an initiative capable of contributing to the development of young athletes while promoting Ile-Ife as a destination where culture and sport can thrive side by side.
With the race taking place during the Olojo Festival, participants and spectators can expect an experience that goes beyond the road itself—bringing together athleticism, cultural identity, community participation and the distinctive atmosphere of Ile-Ife.
The Ife 5K Road Race 2026 is therefore set for Thursday, September 24, 2026, as Ile-Ife once again opens its streets to runners and sports enthusiasts for a celebration of movement, heritage and youth potential.
Interested participants can apply through the official race application portal:
Apply: https://iferoadrace.com/ife-road-race-2026
For enquiries and further information:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07048965763
As the countdown begins, the Ife 5K Road Race 2026 promises to further strengthen the connection between the Olojo Festival, sporting excellence and a shared commitment to empowering the next generation.