The City Gate of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will be the starting point for the first-ever Abuja International Marathon, which is expected to attract over 10,000 participants. The event will comprise three races: the full marathon (42km), the School Marathon for students (5km), and the family race (10km).
The race will begin at 6:00 a.m. and features 32 foreign athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Bahrain. More than 100 Nigerian elite athletes will compete for the top prize of $50,000 in both the men’s and women’s categories.
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The event was announced at a press conference held at the Exhibition Pavilion of the Department of Arts and Culture, Social Development Secretariat in Abuja, attended by dignitaries such as Mr. Lucas Istifanus, Director of Sports, FCT; Mrs. Grace Awe, Director, Department of Arts and Culture, FCT; Mrs. Asabe Umar, Director of Youth, FCT; and Mrs. Joyce Bozimo, Organiser of the Warri/Peace Marathon.
Istifanus expressed his excitement over the race and welcomed everyone to the event, saying that the FCT had a lot to showcase. Bozimo highlighted the importance of marathons, stating that they promote endurance, health, long-lasting friendships, culture, commerce, and tourism.
World Wrapperman urged residents to come out en masse and participate in the race or take pictures if they could not run. The Abuja International Marathon is the first of its kind in the city and promises to be an exciting event.
