Over 5,000 athletes are anticipated to compete in the upcoming 2nd Ikogosi 17.5km Marathon, set to take place at the scenic Ikogosi Warm Spring in Ikogosi Ekiti, Ekiti State, on November 8.
This announcement was made during a press briefing held in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, on Tuesday.
Femi Abegunde, the Race Consultant, revealed that the event will attract both professional and local runners. The marathon is organized by the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative in collaboration with the Ekiti State Government.
Abegunde emphasized that the race is designed to meet international marathon standards, with comprehensive measures in place to ensure the safety of participants and spectators alike.
“The Ikogosi Marathon transcends a mere athletic competition; it serves as a catalyst for tourism, health awareness, and community growth. This event will spotlight the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort as a premier global tourist destination, stimulate local commerce through increased visitor traffic, and promote fitness and wellness throughout Nigeria,” Abegunde explained.
He noted that this year’s 17.5km race marks a significant upgrade from the inaugural 10km event, which attracted over 2,000 runners.
“We expect this edition to draw between 4,000 and 5,000 participants, including both homegrown talents and elite athletes, positioning it as one of the most thrilling long-distance races in the region,” he added.
Abegunde also highlighted the lucrative prize structure aimed at motivating top performers.
Elite male and female champions will each be awarded N2 million, with second-place finishers receiving N1.5 million, and third-place winners earning N1 million in their respective categories.
To encourage participation from Ekiti natives, special prizes have been allocated: N1.5 million for first place, N1 million for second, and N500,000 for third, for both male and female indigenous runners.
Additionally, prizes will be distributed to the fourth through tenth place finishers among local athletes, further incentivizing broad participation.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State described the Ikogosi Marathon as a cornerstone initiative reflecting his administration’s commitment to advancing sports, tourism, and youth empowerment.
Speaking through his Sports Technical Adviser, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, the governor affirmed that the collaboration with the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative underscores a shared vision to establish Ekiti as Nigeria’s premier destination for sports tourism.
Mrs. Sola-Femi Adeluyi, Permanent Secretary of the Ekiti State Ministry of Youths Development, expressed confidence that the marathon will foster resilience and leadership skills among young people while stimulating economic growth.
She pledged the unwavering support of Ekiti’s youth towards ensuring the event’s success.
