By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Enugu is set to host one of Nigeria’s biggest road races as the Enugu City International Marathon enters its final 24-hour countdown, with thousands of athletes expected to take to the streets of the Coal City on Saturday.
The marathon, which will feature elite athletes, amateur runners and first-time participants, is being positioned by organizers as a major sporting and tourism event capable of boosting Enugu’s profile on the national and international athletics calendar.
Preparations for the race have reached an advanced stage, with volunteers undergoing final briefings while medical, security and traffic management teams have concluded plans for the event.
A senior member of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) said on Friday that all departments had been activated to ensure a smooth and safe race.
“We are in the final lap. Every department has been activated. From route certification and hydration points to traffic management and athlete welfare, nothing has been left to chance. Enugu is ready, and we are proud to host Nigeria and the world,” the official said.
The final major pre-race engagement is the World Press Conference scheduled for 10:00 a.m. today at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.
The briefing is expected to provide final details on prize money, the elite athlete roster, race categories, the approved route and safety arrangements. Organizers will also brief the media on coverage logistics, fan zones and post-race activities.
Government officials, sponsors, athletics federation representatives and members of the running community are expected at the press conference.
The event will feature two race categories — the 42km marathon and a 10km race. Organizers said race packs had been distributed, while bib collection and timing-chip tests had also been completed.
International participation has added to the anticipation, with East and West African runners expected to compete in the 42km category.
The marathon has also generated excitement beyond the athletics community, with businesses and residents along the route preparing to benefit from the influx of visitors and spectators.
Hotels around the Polo Park and Nike Lake areas have reportedly recorded increased bookings, while food vendors, transport operators and other businesses are preparing for the expected crowds.
Community groups and schools are also expected to deploy cheer squads, drummers and cultural troupes along sections of the route to provide entertainment and support for runners.
Meanwhile, the Enugu State Government, in partnership with the LOC, is expected to issue traffic advisories ahead of the race. Some major roads along the route will be temporarily closed on Saturday morning, with alternative routes provided for motorists.
Organizers said medical teams, ambulances and hydration stations would be positioned along the course, with hydration points provided at intervals of about 2.5 kilometres.
A post-race village featuring music, food and recovery services is also planned as part of the activities.
Beyond competition, organizers said the marathon is designed to promote healthy living, unity, tourism and economic activity while presenting a new image of Enugu to the world.
With the starting gun just hours away, Enugu is preparing to welcome thousands of runners and spectators for what organizers hope will become a landmark event on Nigeria’s sporting calendar.
