Over 700 athletes will compete on Sunday, August 17, in the 42 km Ibadan City Marathon, which is aimed at developing sports at the grassroots level in the state.
The competition is co-sponsored by the Oyo State government and Ibadan-based radio station, Splash FM.
The General Manager, Splash FM, Tunde Olawuwo at a press briefing at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, on Wednesday, said the competition was suspended five years ago due to COVID-19 and other factors.
He, however, stated that necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a hitch-free competition this year.
He disclosed that 700 athletes would be taking part in the competition, including male and female athletes from within and outside the country, with a cash prize of four million naira.
“Already, nearly 700 athletes from across Nigeria and even beyond have registered to take on this challenge. That number speaks to a deep and growing passion for running, for unity, and for purpose-driven community spirit.
“It tells us that even in a break, the marathon’s heartbeat never truly stopped—it only stayed silent, waiting for the right moment to return with force.
“Today, we’re not just reviving an event; we’re elevating it. Our prize fund has increased from ₦3 million to ₦4 million. That isn’t a simple change in numbers; it’s a sign of our belief in Africa’s athletic potential, a commitment to reward dedication and to encourage even more talent to emerge.
“And because every step taken in endurance deserves recognition, we will award medals to the top 20 finishers, while every single participant who crosses the finish line will go home with a certificate of participation, because here, every effort is celebrated, every bit of grit is encouraged, and every journey is acknowledged,” he said.
Earlier in her address, the State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon Wasilat Adegoke, reiterated the commitment of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration to sports development.
She said, “Under Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, Oyo State has made giant strides in sports. We’ve upgraded stadiums, created grassroots pathways, supported athletes to compete nationally and internationally, and recognised sports as a vital engine of youth empowerment. We are building more than arenas; we are building hope.
“Since the Marathon’s inception in 2008, no administration before ours has been as committed to this event as we are. Today, Oyo State is the first government ever to officially identify with and sponsor the Ibadan City Marathon at every turn. That’s not a coincidence; that’s leadership that listens, that invests, and that believes in the power of sports to transform our collective story.
“Sports is more than healthy bodies and fast finish lines. Sports is empowerment—a platform where discipline meets opportunity, where youth gain purpose, and where champions emerge from modest beginnings. Sports is also tourism; runners bring families, supporters, and energy to our streets. They fill hotels, markets, and cafes. And when Ibadan shines, Oyo State shines.”
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