Enugu Set for Bigger, Better City International Marathon as 2nd Edition Holds August 29
Oru Leonard
Enugu State Government, in partnership with Nilayo Sports Management Limited, has announced that preparations are in top gear for the second edition of the Enugu City International Marathon, promising a world-class race experience when the event holds on August 29, 2026.
Organisers said the marathon, themed “Tomorrow Runs Here,” will promote youth empowerment, talent discovery, sustainable sports development, and position Enugu as an emerging destination for international sporting and economic activities.
The event is expected to attract elite and amateur long-distance runners from across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond, with participants anticipated from cities including Owerri, Warri, Onitsha, Asaba, Abakaliki, and Awka.
According to the organisers, the marathon is designed to discover and nurture indigenous long-distance athletes while attracting top competitors from the global athletics circuit. The race course has also been designed to showcase Enugu’s cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and scenic landscape.
Registration for the 2026 edition opened on June 15, with organisers confirming that the prize structure remains unchanged from the inaugural race. The 10-kilometre race route will be retained, while details of the revised 42-kilometre marathon course and community fitness run routes will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
The organisers added that further information on race routes, elite athlete participation, and other side events will be released through the marathon’s official communication channels.
The Enugu State Government credited Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s commitment to sports development for driving the marathon’s growth, describing the event as part of the state’s broader vision to empower young people, encourage healthy living, and establish Enugu as a hub for world-class sporting events.
With technical support from Nilayo Sports Management Limited, organisers expressed confidence that this year’s Enugu City International Marathon will rank among Africa’s most anticipated road races.
