Enugu is gearing up for the second Enugu City International Marathon as the Coal City begins a five-day countdown to the event scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2026. The marathon is expected to draw thousands of runners, spectators and visitors to the city, with hotels, transport operators, businesses and entertainment……
Enugu is gearing up for the second Enugu City International Marathon as the Coal City begins a five-day countdown to the event scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2026.
The marathon is expected to draw thousands of runners, spectators and visitors to the city, with hotels, transport operators, businesses and entertainment venues preparing for increased activity during race week.
According to the organisers, the five-day Marathon Expo will open on Monday, August 24, at Michael Okpara Square, featuring brand activations, wellness fairs, cultural displays and entertainment ahead of the main race.
A vendor at Ogbete Market described the growing excitement in the city as an opportunity for local businesses and young people.
“This marathon has given the city a new vibe,” the vendor said.
“People are talking about it everywhere. Businesses are ready, the youth are excited. Enugu is about to be on the map.”
Elite athletes are expected to arrive in Enugu this week ahead of the 42-kilometre race.
The elite marathon will start at 6:30am from ShopRite on Abakaliki Road, while thousands of fun runners are expected to participate in the 10km race, which will begin at 8:30am from Chris Tee Petrol Station on CIC Road.
Both races will finish at Michael Okpara Square.
The organisers said the route was designed to showcase different parts of Enugu, taking runners through busy commercial areas and quieter stretches of the city.
The World Press Conference scheduled for Thursday, August 28, is expected to provide final details on prizes, security arrangements and logistics ahead of race day.
The marathon is backed by the Enugu State Government and organised by Nilayo Sports Management, with organisers positioning it as a major sporting, business and cultural event for the state.
Businesses including hotels, restaurants, ride-hailing services and local SMEs are also expected to benefit from increased patronage during the marathon week.
“This is Enugu’s time,” a state official said.
“We are showing the world our hospitality, our energy, and our capacity to host world-class events.”
Race kits, entertainment and fan zones will be centred at the Marathon Expo, with Michael Okpara Square expected to serve as the hub of activities throughout the countdown.
With five days to the marathon, excitement is building across the Coal City as Enugu prepares to welcome athletes and visitors for the event.
