Plans For 2nd Edition Of Ikogosi Marathon Race Unveiled …As Oyebanji Restates Commitment To Sports,Tourism Development

Ekiti State Government, in collaboration with the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative has announced plans for the second edition of Ikogosi 17.5km Marathon race scheduled for November 8, 2025, describing it as a major event designed to promote fitness, attract investments, and showcase the state’s natural endowment.

Speaking during a Press Conference in Ado Ekiti on Monday, Governor Oyebanji, who was 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 in the state.

He added that the Ikogosi race goes beyond competition, as it provides a platform to promote healthy living while placing the state on the global sporting map.

According to the organizers, 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.

In his remarks, the initiator of the 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 recreation, but as a strategic platform for youth empowerment, economic growth, and state branding.

He stressed that the Governor’s leadership is gradually transforming the state into a vibrant destination for sports tourism in Nigeria.

He also commended state government’s partnership with the organizers, noting that the collaboration will give greater visibility and credibility to the second edition of the race.

He added that 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 further explained that registration for the 2025 edition of Ikogosi 27.5km marathon is free for all Ekiti indigenes until November st, 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 ₦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.

Also speaking, 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.