PremiumTrust Abuja City Half Marathon Steps Up Preparations for Third Edition

Posted : 08 November 2026

Preparations are gathering momentum for the third edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, with just seven days remaining before the event.

Nigeria's capital is expected to welcome elite international athletes, domestic runners, fitness enthusiasts and spectators for the 21.1-kilometre race, which has continued to establish itself as an important fixture on the country's road racing calendar since its introduction in 2024.

Organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited and sponsored exclusively by PremiumTrust Bank, the competition has become an increasingly prominent event in Nigeria's athletics landscape.

The race will begin at 6:30 a.m. at the Old Parade Ground, opposite the Federal Fire Service on Mohammed Buhari Way, with participants expected to cross the finish line at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

The course, which is relatively flat and passes through some of Abuja's major streets, is expected to provide favourable conditions for elite competitors aiming to achieve impressive times.

Beyond the sporting contest, the marathon also seeks to encourage healthy lifestyles, increase participation in recreational running and showcase Abuja's potential as a host city for international sporting competitions.

The event's World Athletics Label Road Race status further highlights its growing international reputation. Officials from World Athletics are expected to oversee the competition, maintaining the standards observed during previous editions.

The winner of the elite category will receive a prize of $8,000, while other leading athletes in the elite and Nigerian categories will also compete for cash rewards.

However, the organisers are keen to ensure that the marathon's appeal extends beyond its financial incentives. Their broader objective is to attract more running clubs, corporate organisations, recreational joggers and fitness communities, helping to establish the competition as a major annual sporting attraction.

Preparations are also being intensified to guarantee a smooth and successful event. Key areas receiving attention include electronic timing systems, security arrangements, medical services, traffic management and spectator coordination.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, expressed confidence that the 2026 edition would deliver higher organisational standards and build on the successes of previous competitions.

Olopade reaffirmed the organisers' commitment to staging an internationally competitive marathon that would further enhance Nigeria's reputation in global road racing.

With preparations entering their final stages, Abuja is gearing up for another celebration of athletics, fitness and sporting excellence as anticipation builds ahead of the November 14 showdown.

PremiumTrust Abuja City Half Marathon Steps Up Preparations for Third Edition

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