The organisers of the annual Ikogosi marathon race have revealed that between 4,000 and 5,000 participants are expected to storm Ekiti State for the long race.
The race consultant, Femi Abegunde, who disclosed this during a press conference in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, noted that the second edition of the marathon race will take November 8, 2025.
While commending Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his support and approval of the race, he noted that the decision has confirmed the governor’s commitment towards the development of the state through sports, tourism and partnership with the private sector.
According to him, the race would have multiplier effects on the state’s economy with the number of participants expected, saying that the event would boost youth empowerment, sports development and tourism promotion, especially the Ikogosi warm spring resort.
Abegunde, who invited participants across the world to register for the race, said huge and attractive rewards have been pegged for winners, including indigenous athletes.
He said, ” To further encourage excellence and participation, attractive prizes have been announced: Under the Elite Runners (Male & Female, 1st Prize: ₦2,000,000; 2nd Prize: ₦1,500,000; 3rd Prize: ₦1,000,000.
“Under Indigenous Winners (Male & Female) – 1st Prize: ₦1,500,000 ; 2nd Prize: ₦1,000,000 ; 3rd Prize: ₦500,000 ; 4th Prize: ₦250,000 ; 5th Prize: ₦100,000 ; 6th – 10th Prize: ₦50,000 each.
“The race will kick off promptly at 7:00 AM, starting from the Ilawe-Ekiti Roundabout (in front of the Alawe Palace) and concluding at the iconic Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort. Organisers expect between 4,000 and 5,000 participants from across Nigeria and abroad, building on the success of the last edition, which attracted over 2,200 runners.”
The Technical Adviser to the governor on Sports Development, Dr Olusola Osetoba, said the administration of Governor Oyebanji is committed to the fulfilment of the shared prosperity agenda under the empowerment of youths through sports and capacity building.
She stated that the collaboration of the government with the organisers is to provide the needed environment for youths to tap into the potential in the sporting sector for economic empowerment.
“Our governor is fully in support of this marathon race and we are ready to receive the 5,000 participants into the state and we can assure all stakeholders that everything will be done to make it a success,” Osetoba said.
On his part, the Director General, Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre, expressed delight over the forthcoming marathon race, adding that it would attract more tourists to the state than any other sports.
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