By The bustling city of Abuja will once again come alive as it hosts the 3rd edition of the ECOWAS – Abuja International Marathon on Saturday, March 1st, 2025. This year’s race carries the theme “Run for Unity and Integrity” and is expected to draw thousands of runners from across West Africa and beyond.
With a total prize pool of $71,000, the competition promises to be fierce. Both the men’s and women’s winners of the 21-kilometer race will take home $10,000 each, with prize money also awarded to the top ten finishers in both categories. Second place will earn $5,000, while third place receives $4,000.
At a press conference announcing the race, Ambassador Francis Chuks Njoaguni, chairman of the marathon and director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre, emphasized the event’s importance. He noted that this year’s marathon also serves as the opening celebration for ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary.
Beyond the elite race, the event will also feature a 5km fun walk aimed at encouraging broader community participation. The top three finishers in this category will also receive cash prizes, ranging from $1,000 to $250.
Organizers expect the marathon to boost tourism, promote fitness, and strengthen regional unity through sports. With such high stakes and strong participation expected, Abuja is set for an unforgettable celebration of athletics and culture.
As race day approaches, excitement is already building across the capital, with both professional runners and amateur enthusiasts gearing up to be part of the action.
