The countdown is accelerating. With 9 days to go to the 2nd Enugu City International Marathon, top officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, and World Athletics are set to storm the Coal City for what stakeholders describe as one of the biggest marathon spectacles in Nigeria this year.
Scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2026, the race organized by Nilayo Sports Management with the support of the Enugu State Government has drawn unprecedented attention from the global athletics community.
The presence of AFN and World Athletics representatives highlights the growing international profile of the Enugu race. Delegates are expected to inspect race operations, meet with elite athletes, and engage stakeholders ahead of the event.
Their visit is expected to further validate Enugu’s capacity to host world-class road races and position the city as a destination for future international athletics events.
Over 3,000 runners are already registered across the 42km elite race and 10km fun run categories. From Olympians and continental champions to grassroots talents and recreational runners, the field reflects the marathon’s broad appeal.
Final preparations for the Marathon Expo are also in top gear. The Expo will serve as the official kit collection point and will host sponsor activations, wellness booths, and fan experiences in the days leading up to the race.
The buildup will peak with the Enugu City International Marathon World Press Conference on Thursday, August 28, 2026. Organizers, government officials, sponsors, and select athletes will unveil final logistics, security plans, and the full prize purse.
42km Elite Marathon will flag-off 6:30AM from ShopRite, Abakaliki Road, while the 10km Fun Run Starts 8:30AM from Chris Tee Petrol Station, CIC Road, finishing at Opara Square by 12:30PM
All security, medical, hydration, and traffic management protocols have been finalized to deliver a safe and seamless experience for athletes and spectators.
As Enugu prepares to welcome the athletics world, the 2nd edition of the marathon is set to blend elite competition with culture and commerce, cementing the city’s reputation as a rising hub for sports and tourism in West Africa.
