Organisers Unveil Plans For Ekiti-Ikogosi Marathon
Ekiti State Government, in collaboration with Ikogosi Marathon Initiative, has announced plans for the second edition of Ikogosi 17.5km Marathon race scheduled for November 8.
It described it as a major event designed to promote fitness, attract investments and showcase the state’s natural endowment.
Speaking at a news conference in Ado-Ekiti, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Technical Advisor on Sports Development, Dr Olusola Osetoba, restated his administration’s commitment to sports and tourism development as a key driver of economic growth and youth engagement.
According to the organisers, the 27.5km marathon will feature over 5,000 athletes and participants through scenic routes of Ilawe, with the finishing point at the iconic Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, Ikogosi-Ekiti.
While assuring that his government would continue to partner with relevant stakeholders to make Ekiti a sports and tourism hub and describing the event as more than just a competition, but a celebration of resilience, unity and excellence that reflects Ekiti spirit, the governor urged residents to welcome visitors warmly and showcase the state’s culture, values and peaceful atmosphere.
The initiator of Ikogosi Marathon, Mr. Femi Abegunde, who commended Governor Oyebanji for his steadfast commitment to sports development in the state, noted that the governor’s consistent support for sports and youth development, particularly the marathon reflects a broader vision to use athletics not just as a recreation, but as a strategic platform for youth empowerment, economic growth and state branding.
He said the governor’s leadership was gradually transforming the state into a vibrant destination for sports tourism in Nigeria.
He also hailed the state government’s partnership with the organisers, noting that the collaboration would give greater visibility and credibility to the second edition of the race.
He said the Ikogosi Marathon was conceived to combine the thrill of athletics with the beauty of Ekiti tourism attraction, particularly the world-famous warm springs, thereby positioning the state as a leading destination for sports in Nigeria.
Abegunde said registration for the 2025 edition of Ikogosi 27.5km marathon is free for all Ekiti indigenes until November and can be completed via the official website, www.ikogosimarathon.com.
He outlined the prize structure for the race, with elite winners set to receive N2 million, N1.5 million, and N1 million for first, second and third places, while indigenous athletes will be awarded prizes ranging from N1.5 million to N50,000 for the top six positions.
Organisers Unveil Plans For Ekiti-Ikogosi Marathon is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
