NUGA Launches Nationwide IDUS Nigeria 10KM Challenge for University Communities
As the global university sports community marks 10 years of the International Day of University Sport on 20 September 2026, the Nigerian University Games Association, (NUGA), is inviting universities and their communities across the country to take part in the IDUS Nigeria 10KM Challenge. The nationwide initiative forms NUGA's contribution to the 2026 celebration and aligns with the global 10 Years, 10 Kilometres movement led by the International University Sports Federation, FISU.
Under the theme, One University Community. Run Together. Grow Together, the challenge will bring together students, academic and non teaching staff, alumni, members of surrounding communities and persons with disabilities in a shared celebration of physical activity, healthy living, inclusion and university unity. Universities across Nigeria will be encouraged to mobilise their communities and participate from their campuses and local environments as part of one coordinated national movement.
Unlike a traditional race held at a single venue, participants will be able to complete the 10 kilometre distance through running, walking or a combination of both while contributing to the wider challenge. Participation will be tracked through Strava, which serves as the official platform for recording activities and distances. Participants will be required to join the official NUGA Runners Club and the IDUS Nigeria 10KM Challenge on Strava before taking part, while an adapted distance category of 3 to 5 kilometres will be available for persons with disabilities.
The initiative will also encourage participation at the institutional level, with universities recognised across categories including Highest Participation, Greatest Total Distance, Most Active Faculty, Best Social Media Engagement, Greenest University, Most Active Students, Most Active Alumni and Best Overall University. The categories are designed to encourage universities to mobilise students, staff, alumni and their wider communities while promoting participation and engagement through sport.
Participants who successfully complete the challenge will receive digital recognition, including a Digital Race Bib, Finisher Certificate and Finisher Badge. Beyond individual participation, the challenge provides universities with an opportunity to build stronger connections across their communities while promoting healthy and active lifestyles.
The IDUS Nigeria 10KM Challenge forms part of NUGAs broader 2026 International Day of University Sport programme, which also includes activities focused on leadership, volunteerism, dialogue and campus sport. Together, these activities reflect the wider purpose of IDUS and NUGA's efforts to use university sport as a platform for participation, student development, inclusion and institutional collaboration.
As universities across Nigeria prepare to join the global celebration, the challenge provides an opportunity for university communities to move together while contributing to the wider story of 10 years of the International Day of University Sport.
10 Years. 10 Kilometres. One University Community. Run Together. Grow Together.
NUGA Runners Club https://strava.app.link/wavJUqtbm5b
IDUS Nigeria 10KM Challenge https://strava.app.link/3j6jNjpbm5b