By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Registration for the 2nd Enugu City International Marathon has continued to surge, with local, elite and international athletes signing up ahead of the August 29, 2026 race.
The marathon, organized by Nilayo Sports Management with the support of the Enugu State Government, is expected to boost sports development, youth participation and tourism in the South-East.
Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management, Mrs Yetunde Olopade, expressed satisfaction with the growing turnout, describing the response from athletes as encouraging.
“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 noted that the participation of both grassroots runners and elite athletes demonstrated growing confidence in the Enugu marathon as a credible and competitive sporting event.
Olopade also called on young and talented athletes from the South-East and South-South regions to take advantage of the ongoing registration and participate in 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 said.
According to the organisers, the marathon is designed not only as a major sporting event but also as a platform for identifying and nurturing emerging Nigerian athletic talents, while providing participants with an opportunity to compete for substantial prize money on home soil.
Preparations for the race are also progressing, with organizers putting measures in place covering route marking, medical services, security and athlete hospitality.
The 42km Elite Marathon will commence at 6:30 a.m. from ShopRite, Abakaliki Road, while the 10km Fun Run will begin at 8:30 a.m. from Chris Tee Petrol Station, CIC Road, and finish at Opara Square by 12:30 p.m.
Registration remains open through the official marathon website, www.enugucitymarathon.com.
With less than two weeks to the race, organizers are optimistic that the Enugu City International Marathon will continue to grow into an annual sporting and tourism event capable of showcasing the state’s culture and strengthening Enugu’s position on the international sports map.
