No fewer than 5000 participants from across the states of the federation ,and in the diaspora are expected to partake in the 2nd edition of the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative 17.5km Race.
The Marathon Initiative, which is in partnership with the Government of Ekiti State, has officially announced that the 17.5km Marathon Race will hold on Saturday, November 8th, 2025.
Speaking at the national press conference , Governor of Ekiti State,Biodun Oyebanji , represented by the Technical Advisor on Sports Development, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, reaffirmed his full support for the project .
The Governor described the Ikogosi Marathon as a flagship project that embodies his administration’s vision for sports development, tourism
promotion, and youth empowerment.
Oyebanji said the initiative would also promote healthy living and engage the youth ,adding that the projrctvwoukd also boodt the economic activities of the.communities involved .
He noted that the government’s partnership with the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative demonstrates a shared commitment to positioning Ekiti as Nigeria’s leading sports-tourism destination.
According to him ,the race will kick off at 7:00 AM, from the Ilawe-Ekiti Roundabout (in front of the Alawe Palace) and concluding at the iconic Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort.
“Looking ahead to November 8, 2025, the 2nd Ikogosi 17.5 km Road Race has been positioned as a tourism-sport event, set to draw athletes, investors, and tourists while engaging over 5000 youth volunteers. The route showcases Ekiti’s scenic Ikogosi Warm Springs, reinforcing sports as a tool for economic and cultural momentum “.The governor said .
A consultant of Ikogosi Marathon Initiative, Mr Abegunde Femi explained that the race would kick off at 7:00 AM from the Ilawe-Ekiti Roundabout and end at the iconic Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, saying there would be adequate security during programme.
He outlined the prize structure for the race, with elite winners set to receive ₦2 million, ₦1.5 million, and ₦1 million for first, second, and third places respectively while Indigenous athletes will be awarded prizes ranging from ₦1.5 million to ₦50,000 for the top six positions.
He said that each registered runner would receive a goody bag containing running vest, number bib, race info leaflet, refreshments, and a finishing medal.Interested participants can visit www.ikogosimarathon.com for details and registration
Organizers 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.
Registration forms are also available for pickup at the Office of the Chairman of each Local Government in Ekiti State.
In addition to this ,each registered runner will receive a goody bag containing: running vest, number bib.
The Director General, Bureau of Tourism Development, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, who described the marathon as a strategic event that aligns with the government’s vision of using tourism and sports as tools for economic growth, noted that hosting such an event would not only attract visitors to the state but also stimulate business activities for hoteliers, transporters, artisans, and other service providers in the tourism value chain.