Enugu positions itself as Nigeria’s next sports Tourism Destination at Marathon World Press Conference

Enugu positions itself as Nigeria’s next sports Tourism Destination at Marathon World Press Conference

From Foundation To Global Stage: The Second Edition Raises The Bar For Enugu— Mrs. Yetunde Olopade

Enugu played host on Friday to the World Press Conference for the Enugu City International Marathon at The Iconic International Conference Centre, setting the tone for a bigger, bolder second edition scheduled for Saturday, 29th August, 2026. The event comes just 24 hours before race day as the Coal City prepares to welcome thousands of runners and visitors.

The conference brought together government officials, sponsors, athletes, media, and over 300 volunteers ahead of the road race.

Speaking at the conference, CEO of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, said the marathon is a platform driven by the Enugu State Government to advance health, tourism, youth development, and economic growth.

“It’s a platform of the Enugu State Government driven by a vision to use sports to promote healthy living, tourism, youth development, economic opportunities and the global visibility of Enugu State,” Olopade stated.

“As a consultant to the state government, Nilayo Sports Management Limited is proud to support the vision and contribute our expertise to the growth of this race. The first edition laid the foundation and the second edition we are building on it with an even greater ambition to position Enugu as a destination for international sports and sports tourism. And the theme: ‘Tomorrow Runs Here’ captures that vision.”

She added that the event is designed to create impact that extends far beyond race day.

“We appeal to the platform that brings athletes, visitors, business and the world to Enugu and the platform that create opportunities that extend beyond race day. We commend the Enugu State Government for their commitment to this vision and appreciate our sponsors and partners, the athletes, the officials, volunteers and of course the media for being part of this great journey.”

“As we move forward, our commitment is to continually raise the standard and build an event that Enugu can be proud of. The future is being built today here in Enugu. Tomorrow Runs Here,” she concluded.

Enugu State Commissioner for Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu, also echoed the sentiment, framing the marathon as central to the administration’s broader development agenda under Governor Dr. Peter Mbah.

“_Tomorrow Runs Here_ because the future we are building is already taking shape here in Enugu. This represents the strength, energy and ambition of our state,” Ekweremadu said.

“It runs through our athletes who continue to demonstrate that talent can emerge from everywhere. It runs through our businesses and our innovators. It runs through the transformation taking place across the state under the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Peter Mbah, the Executive Governor of Enugu State.”

The Commissioner emphasized that the marathon is more than competition. “Enugu City International Marathon is not simply a sporting competition, it’s a platform for us to showcase Enugu State to Nigeria and to the world. It brings together athletes, professionals, aspiring young people, families, businesses, visitors, sports enthusiasts and members of the media. It’s an experience that combines sports, healthy living, entertainment and economic activities when thousands of people gather for an event like ours.”

He outlined the ripple effect: hotels receiving visitors, businesses recording increased activities, transport operators providing services, and young people getting opportunities to participate. “We have over 300 volunteers working on this Marathon. The city itself becomes a stage. That is why Enugu City International Marathon is important. We are using sports to create economic activities.”

On organization, he noted lessons from the maiden edition have been applied. “We have taken lessons from the first edition and we want to improve on organization of the race, route management, athletes’ experience, security and medical.”

With race packs distributed, timing systems tested, and security and medical teams deployed, the second edition of the Enugu City International Marathon will feature two categories: 42km and 10km.

Organizers say the goal is clear: to build a world-class road race that puts Enugu on the global running calendar while delivering tangible benefits to residents and businesses.

As the countdown ends, the message from the ICC was unanimous: Enugu is ready, and Tomorrow Runs Here.