N93.3m Prize Up For Grabs In Abuja City Int’l Half Marathon

A staggering ₦93.3 million (equivalent to approximately $64,400 USD) is up for grabs in the second edition of the Premium Trust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon. The race will hold in Nigeria’s bustling capital, Abuja, today.

The 21.1km race will see elite runners from 13 African nations, including host Nigeria, and beyond, taking off from the opposite National Federal Fire Service headquarters on Mohammed Buhari Way and concludes at the Velodrome, Package A of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

Speaking at yesterday’s pre-race press conference, technical director and former Nigerian international Yusuf Ali announced that the top eight finishers in both the men’s and women’s categories will receive various cash prizes. Winners in each category will take home $8,000.

Student participants will also be awarded cash prizes, with the first-place student receiving ₦1 million. Second to fifth place student runners will earn ₦500,000, ₦300,000, ₦200,000, and ₦100,000 respectively.

The general prize structure for the top eight is as follows: $8,000 for first, $6,000 for second, $5,000 for third, followed by $4,000, $3,000, $2,000, $1,000, and $500.

Ali further detailed: “We are rewarding the top eight finishers, and the first Nigerian to cross the finish line will also receive ₦2 million. Second place will get ₦1.5 million, third place ₦1 million, fourth ₦500,000, fifth ₦300,000, sixth ₦200,000, seventh ₦100,000, and eighth ₦50,000.”

He added: “We also have prizes for students, championed by the Premium Trust Bank managing director who wishes to give back. The first student finisher receives ₦1 million, second ₦500,000, third ₦300,000, fourth ₦200,000, and fifth ₦100,000. These student prize amounts are identical for both male and female categories.”

Chief Yetunde Olopade, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management, congratulated headline sponsor Premium Trust Bank and other stakeholders. She highlighted the success of the inaugural edition, which led to the marathon being awarded a bronze-labelled status by World Athletics.

Olopade stated that this achievement reflects the rapid growth of the race, now in its second year after a highly successful debut in 2024. She affirmed the company’s commitment to continuously elevating its organisational structure to meet world-class standards.

“We will continue to deliver world-class sports events, and Saturday’s race will be another testament to that commitment.”

The MD also expressed gratitude to Premium Trust Bank for their pivotal role in establishing the Abuja City Half Marathon as a truly global road race.

“To our sole sponsors and partner, Premium Trust Bank, this marathon stands today because of your commitment, your vision, and investment in the future of Nigerian Sports. Your belief in the power of road races to inspire communities, engage young people, and drive economic activities is the reason we are here today.”

No fewer than 30 elite athletes from Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda are participating in the race.

The race commences precisely at 6:30 AM from the starting point opposite the National Federal Fire Service on Muhammed Buhari Way, concluding at the Velodrome inside the MKO National Stadium.