Ikogosi Marathon Aims High with 5,000 Runners and Big Ambitions

Organisers of the 2nd Ikogosi 17.5km Marathon are expecting no fewer than 5,000 athletes to lace up for the race set to take place on November 8 at the Ikogosi Warm Spring in Ekiti State.

At a recent press conference in Ado Ekiti, Femi Abegunde, the Race Consultant, highlighted that both elite and local runners will compete in what is shaping up to be a major sporting event with international standards.

The marathon, an increase from last year’s 10km race which attracted over 2,000 participants, aims not just to promote athletics but also to boost tourism, health awareness, and community development around the iconic Warm Springs Resort.

Abegunde assured robust security arrangements and said attractive prizes will reward top performers, including N2 million for male and female elite winners, while the second prize is slated at N1.5m each for male and female in the elite category, and the third prize is N1m each for male and female. As part of efforts to encourage Ekiti indigenes to participate as runners, Abegunde unveiled N1.5m prize each for male and female, N1m for second prize, while the third prize is slated for N500,000. He added that the fourth to 10th indigenous runners, male and female, would also get prizes.

The Ekiti State government, represented by Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s adviser and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, expressed full support, recognising the race as pivotal to youth empowerment, sports growth, and economic activity in the state.

With exciting incentives and a strong push from both organisers and authorities, this year’s Ikogosi Marathon promises to be a thrilling celebration of sport and culture in Ekiti.