Abuja City International Half Marathon returns on November 7
The Abuja City International Half Marathon will return to Nigeria’s capital on November 7, with registration for the third edition of the 21-kilometre road race set to open on Friday, September 18.
The race is owned and organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited and will return after making its debut in Abuja in 2024.
Runners can register online, while those who prefer physical registration will be able to do so at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja.
Abuja City International Half Marathon registration and event information
Abuja City International Half Marathon builds on debut
The Abuja City International Half Marathon was first held on April 20, 2024, and was described by Nilayo Sports Management as the first internationally supervised half marathon in Abuja.
The inaugural race attracted more than 50,000 participants, giving the event an immediate presence on the capital’s sporting calendar.
The 21-kilometre race brought together competitive athletes and recreational runners, creating a platform that combined elite road running with mass participation.
The return in 2026 will give runners another opportunity to compete on the Abuja course while extending the event’s development beyond its opening edition.
Abuja City International Half Marathon attracts sponsorship
PremiumTrust Bank is listed as the title sponsor of the event, with Seven Up, Aquafina and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria also associated with the race.
PremiumTrust Bank has linked its involvement to athlete development, youth participation and the broader growth of sport.
Speaking on the bank’s support for the event, its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, said the race was intended to create opportunities for athletes to showcase their abilities.
“For us at PremiumTrust Bank, we are focused on creating an enabling environment for athletes to showcase their talents and compete globally,” Emefienim said.
He added that the competition could also encourage young people to view competitive sport as a possible career path.
Nilayo Sports Management serves as project consultant for the property and is responsible for sponsorship, branding and event delivery.
Abuja City International Half Marathon has international appeal
The race has also attracted athletes from outside Nigeria since its inaugural edition.
Kenya‘s Shadrack Ngumbau won the men’s 21-kilometre race in 1:07:58 in 2024, while South Sudan’s Gaspore Atalena claimed the women’s race in 1:20:23.
Nigeria’s Francis James of Plateau State finished second in the men’s event with a time of 1:08:02. PremiumTrust Bank reported that James was 17 years old at the time.
The participation of athletes from different countries has added an international dimension to the Abuja race while providing Nigerian runners with an opportunity to compete alongside athletes from other parts of Africa.
Abuja City International Half Marathon enters countdown
With registration opening on September 18, attention will now turn towards preparations for the November 7 race.
The organisers will offer both online and physical registration, with the Old Parade Ground serving as the designated physical registration point in Abuja.
The November event will be the third edition of the Abuja City International Half Marathon since its launch in 2024.
For runners, the 21-kilometre distance will require adequate preparation ahead of race day, while organisers will have to complete the logistical arrangements required for another large-scale road race.
The event’s development also comes as road running continues to provide opportunities for both established athletes and younger competitors seeking competitive experience.
The inaugural edition demonstrated the potential for mass participation, while the presence of international runners gave the race a competitive dimension beyond its recreational appeal.
The 2026 edition will therefore provide another platform for athletes to compete in Abuja and for the organisers to build on the foundation established two years ago.
With registration opening this week, prospective participants can now begin making preparations for the November 7 race as the Abuja City International Half Marathon returns for its third edition.