Enugu City Marathon integral to Gov Mbah’s grand plan to rekindle sports

Enugu City Marathon integral to Gov Mbah’s grand plan to rekindle sports

The Enugu City Marathon is an integral part of Governor Peter Mbah’s broader plan to revitalise sports and position Enugu State as a major sporting and tourism destination, the state’s Commissioner for Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu Jr., has said.

Ekweremadu made this known in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG, 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 iconic stadium is also expected to host the rest of the country later this year during the highly anticipated National Sports Festival.

“The restoration of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium is another clear demonstration of the governor’s commitment to sports. We are rebuilding not just a stadium, but an important part of Enugu’s sporting history,” Ekweremadu said.

He stressed that the marathon is only the beginning of what the state government has in store for sports, expressing optimism that Enugu would become a major sporting and tourism hub in Nigeria and across Africa.

“This is only the beginning. Our ambition is for Enugu to become a major sporting and tourism hub, and we want the entire continent to hear about what is happening here,” he said.

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