Enugu Marathon: Registration Surges as Athletes Gear Up for August 29 Race
Oru Leonard
Nilayo Boss Urges South-East, South-South Athletes to Join Competition
Registration for the 2nd Enugu City International Marathon has continued to attract strong interest, with athletes from Nigeria and other countries signing up ahead of the August 29, 2026 race.
Organised by Nilayo Sports Management with the support of the Enugu State Government, the marathon is gaining recognition as a major sporting event with the potential to boost youth development, athletics and tourism in the South-East.
The Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, expressed satisfaction with the growing participation, saying the response from athletes has exceeded expectations.
“I am really impressed with the registration turnout. Both local and international athletes and elite athletes have been trooping out to register for this Marathon and I must say I am impressed,” Olopade said.
She noted that the participation of both elite competitors and grassroots runners was an indication of increasing confidence in the Enugu marathon and its potential to provide opportunities for athletes.
Olopade also called on young and promising athletes from the South-East and South-South regions to take advantage of the opportunity by registering before entries close.
“I still want to use this medium to call on young and talented athletes from the South-South and South-East region to go out and register as registration is still ongoing,” she said.
According to the organisers, the competition is expected to provide a platform for identifying emerging athletic talents while giving participants an opportunity to compete for attractive prize money.
Preparations for the race are also progressing, with organisers putting necessary arrangements in place covering route marking, medical services, security, logistics and athlete hospitality.
The 42-kilometre Elite Marathon will commence at 6:30 a.m. from ShopRite along Abakaliki Road, while the 10-kilometre Fun Run will begin at 8:30 a.m. from Chris Tee Petrol Station on CIC Road and finish at Opara Square.
Registration is still open through www.enugucitymarathon.com.
With less than two weeks to the race, expectations are rising that the Enugu City International Marathon will further strengthen the state’s position as an emerging destination for international sporting events, while combining athletics with tourism, youth empowerment and cultural promotion.
Source: Kola Daniel
