A landmark event is set to take place in Nigeria this weekend as Enugu State prepares to host its inaugural international marathon, Enugu City Marathon.
The Enugu City Marathon, a World Athletics-certified event, will be held on May 3, 2025, and aims to establish itself as the largest road race in the history of southeastern Nigeria, attracting over 100 elite runners and numerous participants from around the globe, including top Nigerian athletes.
Nigeria is rapidly becoming a hub for road races not just in Africa, but worldwide. This surge in popularity follows the immense success of events organised by Nilayo Sports Management, such as the Gold-labelled Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, the Ogun Women Run, the Abuja Half International Marathon, and the Abeokuta 10km race. Nilayo Sports has also successfully organised the first Kaduna City Marathon.
According to the organisers, the Enugu International Marathon promises to be a thrilling and unforgettable experience, aiming to showcase the rich culture and resilience of Enugu, often referred to as the Coal City. Runners will traverse a carefully mapped-out course that highlights the city’s beauty and landscape.
In addition to elite runners, many of whom have already arrived in the country, the marathon is expected to attract amateur runners and fitness enthusiasts eager to test their endurance on an international stage.
Preparations are already underway, with Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and other venues undergoing a revamp. As Enugu State seeks to position itself as a hub for sports and tourism, this marathon is anticipated to place the city on the global athletics map while promoting fitness and community spirit ahead of the 2026 National Sports Festival, which Enugu will host next year, marking the second time a southeastern state has done so since Imo in 1998.
Organised by Nilayo Sports Management, the Enugu International Marathon is set to be a significant addition to the state’s sporting calendar, representing a race of global standards.
The Enugu State government has expressed its full commitment to ensuring the event’s success. Governor Peter Mbah announced this week that the marathon will serve to promote Enugu as a premier tourist and commercial destination in the region.
“We want to use this race to tell our unique story and showcase Enugu as a tourist and commerce hub in the Southeast,” Governor Mbah said. “We assure everyone that Enugu is well-prepared to welcome both international and local athletes to experience the beauty and vibrant culture of our city.”
The State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barrister Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu, emphasised Enugu’s rich sporting heritage, stating, “This is what our Governor is committed to revitalising by staging this first international marathon and hosting the 23rd National Sports Festival in 2026.
“We are all looking forward to this weekend with high expectations and enthusiasm. I urge every citizen of the state and beyond to come out and support the athletes as they race through our beautiful city. As a state, we are fully equipped to stage a world-class road race, and the Government is ready to make history this Saturday,” Ekweremadu added.
The Enugu State Government is also enhancing the marathon experience by incorporating a comprehensive entertainment package, which will feature a musical performance from one of Nigeria’s top artists, Kcee.
For its part, Nilayo Sports Management, renowned for organising prestigious races including the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, the Ogun Women Run, the Abuja Half International Marathon, the first Kaduna City Marathon, and the Abeokuta 10km race, has pledged to deliver a world-class experience for participants.
Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management, Mrs Yetunde Olopade, stated yesterday that the Enugu International Marathon will be a historic celebration of sport, culture, and community in and around the Coal City.
“We are immensely proud to be part of this history,” Mrs Olopade said. “The Governor of Enugu State fully understands the significance of sports and the state’s place in the history of Nigerian sports. He is determined to restore Enugu to its former glory of sporting excellence, and this marathon event represents one of the steps toward that goal. Nilayo Sports has implemented all necessary measures to ensure we set new standards for the race.”
