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A fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), public policy scholar and community sports promoter, Dr. Muideen Adegboyega Salami (MASA), is setting his sights on a bigger and more competitive third edition of the MASA Isonyin Marathon as preparations gather momentum for the 2026 race.
Organisers have announced a ₦15 million prize pool for the 2026 edition, making it one of the biggest prize purses for a privately organised road race in Nigeria and underscoring the growing ambition behind the event.
The annual 21-kilometre race, held in Isonyin, Ijebu North-East Local Government Area of Ogun State, has evolved from a modest community initiative into one of the state’s emerging sporting attractions, attracting elite runners from across the country alongside local athletes.
Speaking ahead of the third edition, Salami said the marathon has grown beyond competition and is increasingly serving as a platform for youth empowerment, healthy living, tourism, and economic activities within the host community.
“We are building a platform that will outlive all of us. The objective is to discover talent, encourage healthy living, and position Isonyin as a destination for sports and tourism,” Salami said.
Born in Surulere, Lagos, Salami, an indigene of Isonyin, attended Lagos State Polytechnic, where he obtained a National Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology, before proceeding to Yaba College of Technology for a Higher National Diploma in Biochemistry.
He later earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management from Ekiti State University, a master’s degree in Legal and Security Psychology from the University of Ibadan, and a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University, United States, in 2021.
During his student days, Salami served as President of the Science Technology Students Association at both Lagos State Polytechnic and Yaba College of Technology. He later worked as Special Adviser on Marketing and Political Matters to former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, between 2011 and 2015.
Now based in California, United States, the founder of the MASA Foundation has maintained strong ties with his hometown through sports, youth empowerment, and community development initiatives.
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The marathon itself has recorded remarkable growth since its inaugural edition. The maiden race produced winners from Kenya, Ogun and Plateau State, while the 2025 edition saw Musa James Francis and Esther Affigbo emerge champions in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.
According to Salami, the enhanced prize money for 2026 is designed not only to attract more elite runners but also to create opportunities for athletes from Ogun State.
“We want to see more local athletes in the race. The race should not only attract national stars but also help develop future champions from Ogun State,” he said.
Support for the marathon has continued to grow among prominent sons and daughters of Isonyin, particularly members of the diaspora community. However, organisers have appealed for increased corporate and institutional support to sustain and expand the initiative.
Chairman of the Ogun State Athletics Association, Gbenga Abijo, has described the marathon as an important addition to the state’s athletics calendar, stressing that consistent competitions are essential for the development of long-distance runners.
For Salami, however, the vision extends beyond medals and prize money.
“Sports can unite communities, create economic opportunities, inspire young people, and promote social development. That is the vision behind the MASA Isonyin Marathon,” he said.
With online registration ongoing on www.masaisonyinmarathon.com and physical registration expected to start on 1st of July in Isonyin and a record ₦15 million prize purse already announced, the 2026 MASA Isonyin Marathon appears set to consolidate its position among Nigeria’s fastest-growing road races while further placing Isonyin on the country’s sporting map.
