By Andrew Abah, Abuja
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has declared his readiness to participate in the upcoming Enugu City Marathon, setting the pace for what organizers say will become Nigeria’s next iconic road race.
The Governor’s commitment comes as Nilayo Sports Management, one of the country’s leading sports event companies, intensifies preparations for the historic event scheduled to hold on 29th August 2026.
His participation is aimed at promoting fitness, tourism and youth engagement in the state, while also showcasing Enugu as a hub for sports and investment.
The Enugu City Marathon is being positioned as a Gold Label-style event aimed at attracting elite African and international athletes, while also opening doors for mass participation.
Organized by Nilayo Sports Management, the same team behind the Lagos City Marathon. The race is expected to feature a 42 full marathon and a 10km fun run for fitness enthusiasts and families. Cash prizes have also been earmarked for top finishers in both male and female elite categories.
The route has been designed to showcase Enugu’s landmarks, winding through key areas of the Coal City. The goal is to blend competition with tourism, giving runners and spectators a taste of Enugu’s culture, hospitality and history.
Registration is still live and selling fast online, organizers say daily sign-ups continue to climb as athletes from across Nigeria and the diaspora express interest.
Nilayo Sports Management, which has over a decade of experience delivering major road races in Nigeria, reports that logistics, security, medical support and elite athlete recruitment are all in top gear ahead of the race day.
The target is to establish the marathon as an annual calendar event that puts Enugu on the global running map.
The Enugu City Marathon is expected to boost the local economy through tourism and hospitality. It also aligns with the state government’s agenda of repositioning Enugu as the premier destination for business, tourism and sports in the South-East.
With the state’s number one citizen leading from the upfront, expectations are high that this edition will set a new standard for road races outside Lagos.
