Abuja City Half Marathon Set For Global Glory

By Oluwole Francis

Nilayo Sports Management Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to staging world-class sporting events as it hosted a global press conference ahead of the 2025 Premium Trust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon.

‎The event is scheduled to take place on December 6 and has earned a coveted World Athletics Label, placing it among globally recognized events that adhere to international standards.

Managing Director of Nilayo Sports, Yetunde Olopade, welcomed guests and underscribed the growing international stature of the Abuja City Half Marathon, describing it as a symbol of partnership, ambition, and national pride.

‎”She thanked Premium Trust Bank for their commitment and vision, which has made the event possible.

Representing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the FCT Director of Sports, Luka Istifanus, conveyed the administration’s full support, stating that the marathon was approved because Abuja remains a friendly and welcoming city.

The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Tonobok Okowa, expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation, noting that the federation’s approval is essential for the event’s credibility.

Technical Director of the race and three-time Olympian, Yusuf Ali, confirmed that several top-ranked elite runners are already in Abuja for the event, including athletes from 13 countries. The race will start at 6:30 a.m., with chip-timing, photo-finish technology, and manual backups deployed to ensure accuracy. Water stations will be positioned at every kilometre through the support of Premium Trust Bank.

The prize structure for the competition is substantial, with the top eight overall finishers earning $8,000, $6,000, $5,000, $4,000, $3,000, $2,000, $1,000, and $500 respectively. Nigerian athletes will also receive prize money, with $6 top finishers receiving ₦2 million, ₦1.5 million, ₦1 million, ₦500,000, ₦200,000, and ₦100,000. The student category prize money stands at ₦1 million, ₦500,000, ₦200,000, and ₦100,000.

On behalf of Premium Trust Bank, Shina Atilola lauded Nilayo Sports and all partners, stating that the bank’s involvement in sports is driven by a mission to empower young people and contribute to national development. He emphasized that the marathon reflects the bank’s pursuit of excellence and its confidence in Nigeria’s growing sports economy, inviting the public to witness what he described as an exciting, record-breaking race.