Itemuagbor excited as Road Running Conference begins in Lagos
Pamodzi Sports Marketing, the powerhouse behind the historic Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, has officially welcomed delegates to Lagos for the inaugural African Road Running Conference. Organizers expressed high
Pamodzi Sports Marketing, the powerhouse behind the historic Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, has officially welcomed delegates to Lagos for the inaugural African Road Running Conference. Organizers expressed high confidence that the summit will serve as a catalyst to revitalize the discipline across the continent.
The two-day conference, holding between February 12 and 13 in Lagos, features a prestigious lineup of global athletics royalty, including: Alessio Punzi, World Athletics Head of Road Running, as well as Paul Tergat,the Kenyan distance-running legend, five-time World Cross Country champion, and multi-Olympic medallist.
Beyond the Finish Line
Itemuagbor, promoter of the Okpekpe race—the first in West Africa to secure World Athletics Label status—emphasized that the summit arrives at a pivotal moment for the continent.
“'Let me first say a big welcome to all the international delegates to this conference in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. I am thrilled we have the opportunity to discuss road running in Africa,” Itemuagbor stated. “The benefits of road running to a nation go far beyond the sport itself.
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"It touches health, the economy, tourism, and national identity. This is about aligning with global standards and elevating our athletes to elite levels," he added.
Itemuagbor pointed to Kenya and Ethiopia as the "gold standard" for how distance running can transform societies. He noted that in these nations, the sport is a massive engine for employment and regional development.
"If we embrace this model in Nigeria, it becomes a powerful tool for job creation," he explained. "This conference should help the private sector and government understand why road running deserves serious investment, prompting a re-assessment of how we develop the discipline."
Specially invited for his pioneering role in professionalizing Nigerian road running, Itemuagbor lauded the Shehu Dikko-led National Sports Commission for hosting the event. He described the conference as the "ginger" Nigeria needs to finally unlock its potential in distance running.
