10 Days to Go: Over 30,000 Athletes Set for Enugu City International Marathon
Oru Leonard
ENUGU — Excitement is building across the Coal City as the 2nd Enugu City International Marathon enters its final 10-day countdown, with more than 30,000 athletes and participants expected to take part in the race scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Organised by Nilayo Sports Management with the full backing of the Enugu State Government, the marathon has attracted elite runners, grassroots athletes and fun-run participants from across Nigeria, Africa and the diaspora.
Participants will compete for medals, prize money and honours as Enugu prepares to stage what organisers describe as a major celebration of sports, culture, tourism and business.
Preparations for the Marathon Expo are also in top gear. The Expo will serve as the official kit collection centre for registered runners and will feature sponsor activations, sports-related exhibitions and other activities.
The week-long buildup to the marathon is expected to combine sports, music, wellness and business showcases, creating a festival atmosphere across the state ahead of race day.
The organisers will also hold the Enugu City International Marathon World Press Conference on Thursday, August 28, bringing together government officials, race organisers, elite athletes and sponsors.
The conference is expected to provide updates on final race preparations, security arrangements, logistics and the prize structure.
On race day, the 42km Elite Marathon will be flagged off at 6:30am from ShopRite, Abakaliki Road, while the 10km Fun Run will commence at 8:30am from Chris Tee Petrol Station, CIC Road, with participants expected to finish at Opara Square by 12:30pm.
Organisers said security, medical support, hydration stations and traffic management arrangements have been finalised to guarantee a safe and professionally coordinated experience for athletes and spectators.
Registration remains open through www.enugucitymarathon.com.
With just days to the event, Enugu is gearing up to welcome thousands of runners and visitors for a marathon expected to further strengthen the state’s profile as an emerging destination for sports, tourism and investment in Nigeria.
