Excitement Builds As 3rd ECOWAS – Abuja Int’l Marathon Holds Saturday

The vibrant city of Abuja is set to host the highly anticipated 3rd edition of the ECOWAS – Abuja International Marathon, scheduled for Saturday, March 1st, 2025. This year’s event, themed “Run for Unity and Integrity,” is expected to attract thousands of runners from across the region and beyond, with a total prize pool of an impressive $71,000.

Runners will compete in a challenging 21-kilometer race, where the top finishers in both the men’s and women’s categories will each receive a lucrative $10,000 prize. The competition will not just spotlight the elite athletes, as cash prizes will be awarded to the top ten finishers in both categories. Second-place finishers will earn $5,000, while third-place will take home $4,000. The prize distribution continues down to 10th place, creating an exciting incentive for all participants.

Ambassador Francis Chuks Njoaguni, chairman of the ECOWAS – Abuja Marathon and director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre, highlighted the significance of the marathon as it kicks off the celebrations for ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary yesterday at the press conference heralding the race.

In addition to the main race, a 5km fun walk will provide a more inclusive opportunity for community participation, with the top three finishers receiving cash prizes ranging from $1,000 to $250.

Adding to the competitive spirit, the first West African runner to cross the finish line will receive $1,000. The second-place finisher will earn $500, while the third, fourth, and fifth-place runners will receive $400, $250, and $200, respectively.

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All participants can also look forward to commemorative medals, with the first 200 finishers receiving special recognition.

Race director Gabriel Okon announced that the marathon is expected to draw around 4,000 runners from various countries, including the USA, Japan, Ethiopia, and Kenya. The defending champion, Gebresilase Abadi Haftamu of Ethiopia, will return to Abuja to defend his title, promising an exhilarating race.

With a blend of competition, camaraderie, and celebration, the 3rd ECOWAS – Abuja International Marathon is poised to be a landmark event, promoting not only sports but also unity among the nations of West Africa. Participants and spectators alike are eagerly counting down to this remarkable day of athletic achievement and cultural celebration.