By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Enugu State is fully prepared to host the second edition of the Enugu City International Marathon on Saturday, August 29, 2026, with the state government and organizers confirming that all arrangements for the event have been concluded.
The marathon, organized by Nilayo Sports Management with the full backing of the Enugu State Government, is aimed at positioning the Coal City as a major hub for sports, tourism and business in the South-East.
The organizers said logistics, route certification, medical support, water stations, traffic management and security arrangements along the race routes had all been finalized ahead of the event.
“The city is fully ready. Every agency is working in sync to ensure the safety of athletes, spectators, and visitors,” the organizing committee said in a statement.
The event has also generated increased economic activity in the state, with hotels, transport operators and local businesses reporting increased bookings as athletes from across Nigeria, the diaspora and other African countries continue to register.
The Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management, Mrs Yetunde Olopade, expressed satisfaction with the turnout, saying registration numbers had 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 urged young athletes from the South-East and South-South regions to take advantage of the opportunity by registering for the race.
“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 added.
The 42km Elite Marathon will be flagged off at 6:30 a.m. from ShopRite on Abakaliki Road, with the route taking participants through major landmarks across Enugu.
The 10km Fun Run will commence at 8:30 a.m. from Chris Tee Petrol Station on CIC Road and conclude at Opara Square by 12:30 p.m.
The organizers have also announced substantial cash prizes for the top male and female finishers in the elite categories.
With preparations concluded, the Enugu City International Marathon is expected to combine elite sporting competition with opportunities for tourism, youth engagement and economic activity, as the organizers seek to establish it as an annual flagship event for Enugu State.
