The third PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon is targeting a higher international profile, with more than 5,000 participants, including over 120 elite runners, expected to compete in Saturday’s 21km race.
Organisers say the growing international participation and sustained corporate backing are part of efforts to establish Abuja as a major destination for road-running events in Africa.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management, Mrs Yetunde Olopade, said the ambition was to develop the competition into an internationally respected sporting event capable of promoting sports tourism and creating economic opportunities.
Olopade praised PremiumTrust Bank for returning as the sole sponsor for the second consecutive year, describing its continued support as a demonstration of confidence in the marathon’s potential.
She also acknowledged the support of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, security agencies, emergency services and other partners in preparing for the competition.
“Our ambition goes beyond organising a race. We are building an internationally respected sporting property that promotes healthy living, creates economic opportunities through sports tourism and demonstrates Nigeria’s capacity to deliver world-class sporting events,” she said.
The Nilayo boss assured participants that arrangements had been made to meet international technical standards, particularly in security, medical services and logistics.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PremiumTrust Bank, Dr Emmanuel Emefienim, said the bank’s continued investment in sports was driven by its belief in the potential of young Nigerians and the need for greater private-sector participation in sports development.
He disclosed that the bank had supported several sporting initiatives since 2022, including the National Sports Festival in Delta and Ogun states, while maintaining partnerships with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Football Federation.
Emefienim said the bank was committed to sustaining its partnership with Nilayo Sports Management, adding that the increasing participation of international athletes would help improve the marathon’s standing.
“PremiumTrust is in this for the long haul, and we are not in a hurry to stop doing this because it is something we have to do,” he said.
A representative of World Athletics, Nadeem Khan, who has attended all three editions, also expressed satisfaction with the competition’s development, commending the organisers for maintaining consistency and improving standards.
Khan said the increasing quality of road-running events in Nigeria reflected the importance of sustained investment and effective organisation.
He also praised PremiumTrust Bank for supporting Nigerian sports, while acknowledging the contributions of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the Confederation of African Athletics.
The World Athletics representative further commended Abuja residents for their cooperation, noting that public support was essential because road races often require temporary restrictions on movement and access to major roads.
Meanwhile, Saturday’s race will feature an $8,000 top prize in each of the men’s and women’s elite categories.
Nigerian athletes will also compete for a N2m first prize, with the second and third-place finishers expected to receive N1.5m and N1m respectively.
The 21km race will begin at the Area 10 Old Parade Ground at 6.30am and finish at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.