Enugu Marathon: Athletes Battle for $50,000 Prize

… as City Prepares for 2nd Edition

By Venica Uchechukwu, Enugu

Enugu is set to host the second edition of the Enugu City International Marathon on Saturday, with athletes from Nigeria and across Africa expected to compete for a total prize of $50,000.

The marathon, sponsored by Nilayo Sports Management, Pinnacle Oil, Power Oil, Enugu Air, Aquafina and other partners, is expected to attract athletes from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Eritrea, alongside Nigerian runners.

Ahead of the event, the Enugu State Government has announced temporary traffic restrictions along major routes to be used for the 10km and 42km races to ensure the safety of athletes and other participants.

The traffic restriction will be in force from 6:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, during which motorists will be prevented from using designated marathon routes across the metropolis.

Speaking at a world press briefing in Enugu on Friday, the State Commissioner for Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu, said the second edition would surpass the inaugural event in organization, participation and overall impact.

Ekweremadu said the marathon was not only about sporting competition but also an opportunity to showcase Enugu State to the international community as a major tourist destination.

He said the state had learnt valuable lessons from the first edition and had introduced improvements to ensure a more successful event, 

The commissioner added that about 3,000 volunteers would be deployed to support the marathon.

“We have taken from the first edition and we shall improve on this one. We are here to build an institution. Enugu is a destination for major sports events,” he said.

The commissioner added that the state was positioning itself to host major sporting events, including the National Sports Festival in the near future.

Also speaking, the representative of the State Commissioner of Police, Bitrus Giwa, assured participants and residents of adequate security before, during and after the marathon. 

He said the police and other security agencies would work in synergy to guarantee a hitch-free event.

The representative of the Commissioner for Transport, Obi Ozor Okolo, said the race would commence from the Shoprite/GTC area along Abakaliki Road and culminate at Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu.