By Peter Omopo
Ado Ekiti, September 9, 2025 — The second edition of the Ikogosi 17.5km Marathon Race will hold on November 8, 2025, at the famous Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort in Ekiti State, with organisers projecting up to 5,000 athletes from across Nigeria and beyond.
The Race Consultant, Femi Abegunde, announced the details at a press conference in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday. He said the event, organised by the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative in partnership with the Ekiti State Government, would feature both elite and indigenous runners and is designed to match international standards.
“The Ikogosi Marathon is more than a sporting event; it is a platform for tourism, health, and community development. It will showcase Ikogosi Warm Springs as a global attraction, boost local businesses, and promote fitness nationwide,” Abegunde said.
According to him, the race has grown from the 10km debut edition in 2023, which drew over 2,000 participants, to this year’s upgraded 17.5km challenge. The 2025 edition, he added, is expected to attract between 4,000 and 5,000 runners, making it one of the region’s biggest long-distance events.
Prize Packages
Organisers have unveiled attractive prize categories for both elite and indigenous competitors.
- Elite Runners: ₦2m for first place (male and female), ₦1.5m for second place, and ₦1m for third place.
- Indigenous Runners (Ekiti athletes): ₦1.5m for first place, ₦1m for second place, ₦500,000 for third place, with cash prizes also extending to the 4th–10th positions.
Government’s Backing
The Ekiti State Government has thrown its weight behind the marathon. Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Technical Adviser on Sports, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, described the race as a “flagship project” aligning with the administration’s vision for sports development, tourism promotion, and youth empowerment.
“This partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to positioning Ekiti as Nigeria’s leading sports-tourism destination,” Oyebanji said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs. Sola-Femi Adeluyi, said the marathon would not only boost economic activities but also help young people cultivate resilience and leadership.
Ikogosi’s Significance
The host venue, Ikogosi Warm Springs, is a rare natural wonder where warm and cold springs flow side by side without mixing. Beyond its scenic and therapeutic appeal, the site has been developed into a resort destination, symbolising Ekiti’s rich natural heritage and tourism potential.
With the backing of the state government, organisers say the 2025 Ikogosi Marathon is poised to become a signature sporting and tourism event in Nigeria’s calendar.
