Enugu City Marathon, integral grand plan to rekindle Sports in Enugu State
By Uzor Odigbo
The Enugu City Marathon is an integral part of a broader plan to revitalise sports and reposition Enugu State as a major sporting and tourism hub, says the state’s Commissioner for Sports Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu Jr.
Ekweremadu made this known in an interview ahead of the inaugural marathon, which is expected to attract elite international and Nigerian athletes to the Coal City.
In two days, Enugu will take centre stage as athletes converge on the state for the 42km and 10km races.
“The Enugu City Marathon is not just another sporting event. It is an integral part of Governor Peter Mbah’s broader plan to rekindle sports, attract global attention to Enugu and create new opportunities through sports and tourism,” he said.
Describing the event as a world-class competition, Ekweremadu noted that the full involvement of World Athletics demonstrates the seriousness and quality attached to the marathon.
“We are bringing the best of the best to Enugu, and the full involvement of World Athletics demonstrates the seriousness and quality attached to this marathon,” he said.
The commissioner explained that the marathon is also central to the governor’s vision of putting Enugu firmly on the global tourism map.
In line with the administration’s sports development agenda, Governor Mbah has commenced the restoration of the legendary Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, with the project currently said to be 82 per cent complete.
The commissioner also called on the media, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to partner with the state government in delivering a successful marathon and building a lasting sporting legacy for Enugu.
“Government cannot do this alone. We need the media, the corporate sector and other stakeholders to work with us. Together, we can achieve something truly significant and create a sporting legacy that will benefit Enugu for generations,” he added.
Enugu City Marathon Prize Money
42km Elite
- 1st: $15,000
- 2nd: $10,000
- 3rd: $ 5,000
- 4th: $ 3,000
- 5th: $ 2,000
42km Nigerian Category
- 1st: ₦3,000,000
- 2nd: ₦2,000,000
- 3rd: ₦1,500,000
- 4th: ₦1,000,000
- 5th: ₦ 500,000
10km Nigerian Category
- 1st: ₦1,000,000
- 2nd: ₦ 750,000
- 3rd: ₦ 500,000
- 4th: ₦ 300,000
- 5th: ₦ 200,000
