High registration numbers reported for Enugu City International Marathon

The second edition of the Enugu City International Marathon is experiencing a significant increase in athlete registrations. Both international and local runners, including elite competitors, are currently preparing for the race scheduled for August 29.

Yetunde Olopade, the CEO of Nilayo Sports Management, stated that the level of interest from athletes across Nigeria and other countries is impressive. She noted that the high turnout of elite and local runners shows growing confidence in the marathon as a competitive event that meets international standards.

Organized by Nilayo Sports Management with support from the Enugu State Government, the event aims to promote tourism, economic growth, and youth engagement within the South-East. The marathon is designed to function as a Gold Label-style road race.

Mrs. Olopade has called on talented young runners from the South-East and South-South regions to register for the event while registration remains open. The organizers intend for the marathon to serve as a platform for discovering new talent and allowing Nigerian athletes to compete for rewards on home soil.

The competition features two main categories. The 42km elite marathon will begin at 6:30 AM from ShopRite on Abakaliki Road, passing through various landmarks in Enugu. The 10km Fun Run is scheduled to start at 8:30 AM from the Chris Tee Petrol Station on CIC Road and conclude at Opara Square by 12:30 PM.

Preparations regarding medical support, security, logistics, and hospitality for elite athletes are currently in the advanced stages. The event is being positioned as an annual flagship competition for Enugu State to combine sporting achievement with economic impact.