The Main Organizing Committee of the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon has increased the prize money for the 5km fun run from $750 to $1,000 (about N1.7 million) ahead of its 2025 edition, which will commemorate ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary.
MOC Chairman Amb. Francis Chuks Njoaguani revealed that the increased purse would benefit not just the winner but all top finishers as they look to encourage more participation from ECOWAS citizens.
“The 5km fun run is special to us because we initiated it as part of the 21km race so that more of our people will embrace the culture of walking, jogging, exercise, and running and make it part of their daily routine”, Njoaguani said.
“That is why we have decided to increase the prize money to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of ECOWAS and encourage our people to make running a way of life”.
Njoaguani, who is also the director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre in Ouagadougou, added that elite runners from all ECOWAS countries would be invited to compete for the total prize purse of over $71,000.
The event, scheduled for 1 March 2025, in Abuja, will feature both 21km and 5km categories, with the latter starting at Eagle Square and ending at the ECOWAS Commission in Asokoro, while the half marathon will start and finish at the Commission.
Race Director Gabriel Okon emphasized that the event was open to all categories of runners.
“The event is for elites and fun runners and other classes of fitness enthusiasts from across the continent. The marathon is not only a celebration of athleticism but also a showcase of unity and the vibrant spirit of the region”, Okon said.
