Enugu City Marathon Offers ₦3m Top Prize to Nigerian Runners

Posted : 26 August 2026

Enugu is set for a major athletics spectacle on Saturday as the Enugu City International Marathon returns with an enhanced prize structure designed to attract elite international runners while rewarding the best Nigerian athletes.

With just three days to race day, organisers have announced prize money for the 42km elite race and Nigerian categories in both the 42km and 10km events.

The winner of the men’s and women’s 42km elite race will receive $15,000, with the runner-up earning $10,000 and the third-placed athlete taking home $5,000.

The fourth and fifth positions will attract $3,000 and $2,000 respectively.

For Nigerian runners in the 42km race, the champion will receive ₦3 million, while the second, third, fourth and fifth positions will earn ₦2 million, ₦1.5 million, ₦1 million and ₦500,000 respectively.

The 10km Nigerian race will also offer significant rewards, with the winner taking ₦1 million, followed by ₦750,000 for second place, ₦500,000 for third, ₦300,000 for fourth and ₦200,000 for fifth.

The organisers said the prize structure reflects the marathon’s objective of combining international competition with direct investment in Nigerian athletes and grassroots running.

Ahead of the race, technical preparations have reportedly been completed, with the course measured and certified and medical, security and logistics teams fully briefed. Digital timing and broadcast systems have also been put in place to enable live coverage of the event.

Arise TV, Channels TV and AIT are among the media partners expected to provide coverage, while the International Conference Centre will serve as the official World Press Centre.

The Local Organising Committee described the enhanced prize purse as part of its ambition to establish Enugu as a destination for world-class road racing.

“Year one was our introduction to the world. Year two is our standard,” the committee said, stressing the readiness of the Coal City to host elite competition and reward Nigerian talent.

Beyond athletics, the marathon is expected to generate significant economic activity, with hotels, restaurants, transport operators, vendors and other businesses positioned to benefit from the influx of athletes, officials, visitors and spectators.

The organisers also see the race as an opportunity to strengthen Enugu’s identity as a destination for tourism, investment and sporting events.

As race day approaches, thousands of runners, volunteers, medical personnel, students and spectators are expected to line the streets, adding colour and energy to the event.

The organisers have urged residents and visitors to attend the Marathon Expo, support athletes along the route and follow the live broadcast.

With the athletes ready and the city preparing for the spectacle, all roads lead to Enugu for the second edition of the Enugu City International Marathon.

Enugu City Marathon Offers ₦3m Top Prize to Nigerian Runners

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