Sports
Abuja International Marathon sign more elite runners, add 10km Fun Run
Determined to achieve its objective of becoming the first full marathon in Nigeria to have an elite field that will run a sub 2hrs: 10 mins, the Abuja International Marathon has signed more elite runners for its inaugural race slated for December 17, 2022.
In a statement signed by Race Director Olukayode Thomas, the Abuja International Marathon Managing Director Zsuzsanna Ogunmiloyo disclosed that the December 17 race will also include a 10 km fun race apart from the full marathon which will start at the City Gate and take runners through the most beautiful parts of Abuja and the 5km race for youths and children in their early teens.
According to Ogunmiloyo, the newly signed elite runners are Emmanuel Naibei with a personal best of 2:08:27, Josphat Kiprop Kiptis with a personal best of 2:13:47, and Benard Sang with a personal best of 2:10:59.
They also include two women Beatrice Cherop with a personal best of 2:31:07 and Esther Macharia with a personal best of 2:27:15 .
Earlier, Ogunmiloyo confirmed the signing of four gold labelled runners: two men and two women they are Andrew Kimtai, who boasts a personal best of 2:08 32. Gilbert Masai, with a personal best of 2:09:49, h two female runners, Caroline Jepchirchir with a personal best of 2:26 and Naomi Maiyo with a personal best of 2:30.
Ogunmiloyo who was in Birmingham, England for the 2022 Commonwealth to support the Team Nigeria contingent said discussions are ongoing with some Nigeria elite athletes who won medals and global acclaim at the Commonwealth Games to be part of the Abuja International Marathon.
‘’ The weeks leading to the Abuja International Marathon will be a celebration of the best of Nigeria sports.
Apart from the Marathon Expo which starts December 1 and ends December 16, we have so many other activities which include elite athletes from Nigeria and other parts of the world organizing clinics for pupils from schools in different parts of FCT. We are going to celebrate the best of FCT and a lot of positives about Nigeria,’’
About 200 elite runners will participate in the Abuja International, 80 from different parts of the world and 120 from Nigeria.
‘’ We are working closely with the High Altitude Club of Jos and other elite running clubs in Nigeria. Our aim is to see Nigerians excel in middle distance races, long distance, road races, marathons, and other aspects of athletics not only in Nigeria but worldwide.
“We have the to achieve and the dream of Unicentral Resources Generation Limited, the licensee of Abuja International Marathon, is ensuring we achieved that potential soon’’ said Ogunmiloyo.
Sports
PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Splashes Big Prize Money Ahead Of 14 November 2026 Race
Top Three Elite Finishers To Earn $8,000, $6,000 And $5,000 Respectively
The organisers of the highly anticipated PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon have announced an attractive prize package for athletes across every category ahead of the race on 14 November 2026 in Abuja.
The prize announcement has been welcomed by athletes and coaches, as the event continues to establish itself as one of the leading road races in Nigeria. The race offers local athletes the chance to compete against international runners in front of a home crowd, while also earning meaningful rewards.
In the elite category, first place earns $8,000, second place takes $6,000, third place gets $5,000, fourth place receives $4,000, fifth place goes home with $3,000, sixth place earns $2,000, seventh place takes $1,000, and eighth place gets $500.
In the Nigerian category, first place earns ₦2,000,000, second place takes ₦1,500,000, third place gets ₦1,000,000, fourth place receives ₦500,000, fifth place goes home with ₦300,000, sixth place earns ₦200,000, seventh place takes ₦100,000, and eighth place gets ₦50,000.
According to the organisers, the prize structure reflects the commitment of PremiumTrust Bank to the growth of athletics in Nigeria and to the encouragement of home based athletes. The separate Nigerian category ensures that local runners are properly recognised and rewarded for their performance.
The half marathon, which covers 21 kilometres, remains an important event for long distance runners. It serves as a test of endurance and preparation, and it provides a competitive platform for athletes building towards major national and international competitions.
The race is expected to draw elite athletes, club runners, corporate teams, fitness enthusiasts and supporters from across Nigeria and beyond. The turnout is expected to be high, given the interest already shown since registration opened.
Organisers have advised interested runners to register early through the official registration portal of the race to secure their participation, as arrangements are being put in place for timing, security, medical support and traffic management on race day.
The prize money is now confirmed, attention will shift to the athletes as they complete their final weeks of training and preparations ahead of the race day.
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