Abuja Half Marathon: Organisers Unveil $8,000 Top Prize Ahead of November Race
… Elite podium finishers to pocket $8,000, $6,000 and $5,000 respectively
Oru Leonard
Organisers of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon have unveiled an impressive prize-money package for the 2026 edition of the race, scheduled to hold on November 14 in Abuja.
The attractive rewards are expected to heighten competition among participating athletes, with elite international runners and Nigerian competitors set to battle for honours in the 21-kilometre road race.
The announcement further reinforces the event’s growing profile as a major platform for promoting long-distance running, discovering emerging talents and providing Nigerian athletes with opportunities to compete against top international opposition.
Under the elite category, the overall winner will receive $8,000, while the second- and third-place finishers will earn $6,000 and $5,000 respectively.
Athletes finishing fourth will collect $4,000, with the fifth-place finisher earning $3,000. The sixth position attracts $2,000, while seventh and eighth places will receive $1,000 and $500 respectively.
Nigerian athletes will also compete for substantial rewards in a dedicated national category designed to recognise and encourage homegrown talent.
The Nigerian category offers ₦2 million to the winner, ₦1.5 million for second place and ₦1 million for third place. Fourth position attracts ₦500,000, while the fifth-place finisher will receive ₦300,000.
Athletes finishing sixth, seventh and eighth will earn ₦200,000, ₦100,000 and ₦50,000 respectively.
The separate Nigerian category is expected to provide additional motivation for local runners, giving them an opportunity to earn significant financial rewards while competing against some of the strongest distance runners in the field.
The prize structure also highlights the event’s emphasis on developing athletics in Nigeria, encouraging wider participation and creating a competitive environment for both established runners and emerging talents.
As a 21-kilometre endurance event, the Abuja City International Half Marathon requires extensive preparation, tactical discipline and sustained physical conditioning. The race is expected to attract elite athletes, running clubs, corporate participants, fitness enthusiasts and spectators from within and outside Nigeria.
With the November 14 date drawing closer, attention is shifting towards athletes’ final preparations as anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting contest on the streets of the Federal Capital Territory.
The organisers have encouraged prospective participants to register through the race’s official registration portal, while preparations continue in key areas, including race timing, security, medical services and traffic management.
With the prize money now announced, the stage is set for athletes to intensify their preparations as they target podium finishes and a share of the rewards at the 2026 PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon.
