By Amaechi Agbo
In 3 days, Enugu will take center stage. On Saturday, 28th August 2026, the Enugu City International Marathon will transform Coal City into a global arena of sport, culture, and commerce, with more at stake than ever before.
The Organizers have today announced a competitive prize purse for both elite international athletes and Nigerian runners, setting the stage for a thrilling contest across the 42KM and 10KM races.
Enugu City International Marathon Prize Money for Men and Women:
42KM Elite
1st Position: $15,000
2nd Position: $10,000
3rd Position: $5,000
4th Position: $3,000
5th Position: $2,000
42KM NIGERIA
1st: N3,000,000
2nd: N2,000,000
3rd: N1,500,000
4th: N1,000,000
5th: N500,000
10KM Marathon (Nigeria)
1st: N1,000,000
2nd: N750,000
3rd: N500,000
4th: N300,000
5th: N200,000
The announcement reinforces the marathon’s dual mission: to attract world-class talent to Enugu while investing directly in Nigerian athletes and grassroots running.
Technical operations have been finalized. The race course has been measured and certified. Medical, security, and logistics teams have completed briefings. Digital timing systems and broadcast infrastructure are in place to deliver live coverage to audiences across Nigeria and beyond.
Media partners including Arise TV, Channels TV, and AIT are on ground, with the International Conference Center serving as the official World Press Center for the event.
“Year one was our introduction to the world. Year two is our standard,” said the Local Organizing Committee. “With this prize structure, Enugu is ready to host world-class competition and reward the talent of our own.”
The Enugu City International Marathon is more than a race. It is an economic driver and a platform for city branding.
Hotels across Enugu are at full capacity. Restaurants, transport services, vendors, and small businesses are experiencing increased activity ahead of race weekend. The event is creating jobs and opportunities for residents.
Beyond the economy, the marathon is a statement of identity. When the world watches Enugu run, the world learns Enugu’s name, as a safe, vibrant, and capable host city open for tourism, investment, and talent.
On Saturday, the stories of Enugu will run the streets. The entrepreneur training before dawn. The corps member running to support a community project. The coach returning to the road with his grandchildren. The elite athletes chasing personal bests and a share of the prize money.
They will be joined by thousands of volunteers, medical personnel, students, and spectators who bring the energy of the city to life along the route.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the Marathon Expo, take their place along the race route, and tune in to the live broadcast.
3 Days To Go! The athletes are ready, the city is ready and the world is watching.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
