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Thousands of runners will take to the streets of Enugu today as the second edition of the Enugu City International Marathon gets underway, with the athletes eyeing a bumper prize purse and final preparations wrapped up ahead of race.
The countdown began Friday at the International Conference Centre, where organizers, government officials, sponsors and athletes gathered for a world press conference to showcase readiness for the event.
Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, CEO of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, consultants to the Enugu State Government on the project, described the marathon as more than a race — calling it a state-driven initiative to boost health, tourism, youth development and economic growth, building on last year’s inaugural edition. This year’s theme, “Tomorrow Runs Here,” underscores the state’s ambition to position Enugu as a serious destination on the international sports tourism map.
Enugu State’s Commissioner for Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu, tied the marathon to the broader transformation agenda of Governor Dr. Peter Mbah’s administration, describing it as a citywide showcase drawing in athletes, entrepreneurs, families and visitors. He said the economic benefits extend beyond the finish line, pointing to fuller hotels, busier local businesses, more work for transport operators, and opportunities for young people through the event’s more than 300 volunteers.
Organizers also released the full prize breakdown for this year’s race, offering up to $15,000 to elite international winners and millions of naira to top Nigerian finishers — the largest purse in the event’s short history.
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In the 42km Elite category, the top finisher will take home $15,000, followed by $10,000 for second place and $5,000 for third. Fourth and fifth place will earn $3,000 and $2,000 respectively.
Nigerian athletes in the 42km race will compete for ₦3,000,000, ₦2,000,000, ₦1,500,000, ₦1,000,000 and ₦500,000 for the top five finishers. In the 10km category, Nigerian runners will vie for ₦1,000,000, ₦750,000, ₦500,000, ₦300,000 and ₦200,000.
Organizers said the prize structure reflects a dual goal: attracting world-class talent to Enugu while investing directly in Nigerian athletes and grassroots running.
The Local Organizing Committee confirmed that technical preparations for race day are complete. Organizers said they have tightened route management, athlete experience, security and medical coverage since the inaugural edition. Race packs have been distributed, timing systems tested, and security and medical teams deployed ahead of the two race categories — a full 42km marathon and a 10km race.
As final preparations conclude, organizers say the message is clear: Enugu is ready to put itself on the global running map.
