In a historic milestone for Nigerian sports, the Premium Trust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially awarded the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition—a distinction achieved in record time.
The organiser of the Abuja City International Half Marathon and Nigeria’s foremost sports company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML), announced this on Wednesday in a statement released to journalists. The second edition of the marathon race is set to illuminate Nigeria’s capital city on Saturday, 6th December 2025.
This remarkable achievement makes the Abuja City Half Marathon the first race globally to earn the label so swiftly, underscoring both the organisational excellence of NSML and the dynamic rise of Premium Trust Bank, celebrated as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commercial bank.
With the theme “Steady Strides,” this year’s race, according to organisers, encapsulates the measured rhythm and determined pace that define world-class long-distance running—a reflection of the steady progress and ambitious vision shaping the marathon’s evolution into a global platinum-labelled event.
The 2025 edition is expected to attract elite international athletes, top local runners, and marathon enthusiasts from around the world, alongside officials from World Athletics who will oversee the competition.
Speaking about the announcement, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, expressed excitement regarding the unique partnership with Premium Trust Bank.
“This second edition is fundamentally unique because it represents the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation and arguably, worldwide. Premium Trust Bank is not just a sponsor but the sole partner underpinning the establishment, organisation, and consolidation of a global marathon in Nigeria’s capital city.
“We are proud and grateful for the bank’s visionary leadership, which has not only recognised the immense potential of the first edition but is now single-handedly driving the race towards international acclaim.”
Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON), emphasised the shared values underpinning the partnership.
“Premium Trust Bank is built on the philosophy of rapid, impactful, and sustainable growth, and the theme of this year’s marathon perfectly reflects our operational ethos. Attaining World Athletics Label status in just the second year validates that our investment is yielding world-class outcomes. We are deeply proud to be the sole partner building this monumental legacy, reinforcing our commitment to sports development, community wellbeing, excellence, and platforms where champions are made.”
The Premium Trust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of endurance, athleticism, and community spirit, further strengthening Abuja’s status on the global racing calendar.
Registration for participants is currently open as it promises to be another marathon spectacle on 6th December 2025.
