Elite Nigerian marathoners, particularly members of the Jos-based High Altitude Athletics Club, have declared their focus on the 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon, aiming to dominate the top ten positions in the prestigious event.
The decision is driven by the race’s financial incentives, especially for the 21 km category, and the organizers’ track record of prompt prize payments.
Speaking to journalists ahead of the Christmas break, Steve Nuhu, director of the High Altitude Athletics Club and manager of many top marathoners in Nigeria, emphasized the strategic importance of the ECOWAS race.
“We all left Pankshin, where we usually train, to spend Christmas and New Year with our families. By God’s grace, we will regroup in the first week of the new year. Our primary focus for 2025 is the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon,” Nuhu stated.
He explained that the race presents a lucrative opportunity for the athletes. “We have a strong chance of securing eight of the top ten positions because it is a half marathon. For instance, if our club produces the winners of both the men’s and women’s categories, that’s $10,000 each, totaling approximately ₦40 million at today’s exchange rate. This level of reward is unmatched elsewhere.”
Nuhu added that even lower placements in the ECOWAS race, such as fourth or fifth, are more financially rewarding than winning full marathons in other events. “We are grateful to ECOWAS for empowering us and lifting us out of poverty,” he said.
The club director also lauded the race organizers for their efficiency and prompt payment of prize money. “The management of the ECOWAS Marathon pays prize money immediately after the race. This reliability makes it an exciting and rewarding experience for our runners. We eagerly anticipate the 2025 edition with great joy.”
The 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon is scheduled for March 1, 2025. The event will feature two races: a 21 km race starting and finishing at the ECOWAS Commission in Asokoro, and a 5 km race starting at Eagles Square and concluding at the ECOWAS Commission.
