The Premium Trust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has achieved a significant international milestone, securing a Bronze Label status from World Athletics. This prestigious recognition comes as the event prepares for its second edition this Saturday, following a highly successful debut in 2024.
A Stamp of Global Approval
Managing Director and CEO of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, announced the label award on Thursday, December 5, 2025. She described it as a validation of the company's dedication to excellence and adherence to global standards in sports event management.
"This feat is a fulfilment of the rapidly growing stature of our race," Olopade stated. She reaffirmed her company's commitment to continuously elevate its organisational structure to meet world-class benchmarks. "We will continue to deliver world-class sports events, and Saturday's race will be another testament to that commitment," she added.
Olopade also extended profound gratitude to the event's title sponsor, Premium Trust Bank. She credited the bank's vision and investment as the cornerstone of the marathon's success and its new global status.
Lucrative Prize Structure Revealed
Meanwhile, the Head of the Technical Committee for the race, Olympian Yusuf Ali, provided exciting details about the competition and its rewards. He confirmed that approximately 30 elite athletes from running powerhouses Kenya and Ethiopia, alongside top Nigerian runners, will compete.
The prize money for the top eight finishers is notably attractive:
- 1st Place: $8,000
- 2nd Place: $6,000
- 3rd Place: $5,000
- 4th Place: $4,000
- 5th Place: $3,000
- 6th Place: $2,000
- 7th Place: $1,000
- 8th Place: $500
In a move to bolster local talent, there is a separate prize pool for the top Nigerian finishers, starting from 2 million Naira for the winner. Additionally, in a first for the event, a student category has been introduced with a top prize of 1 million Naira, courtesy of the Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank.
Race Day Logistics
The half marathon is scheduled to commence at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. The starting point is opposite the National Federal Fire Service on Muhammed Buhari Way. The 21-kilometer route will finish at the Velodrome inside the iconic MKO National Stadium in Abuja.
This Bronze Label accreditation from World Athletics places the Abuja City International Half Marathon on a growing map of globally recognized road races, promising enhanced competition and greater prestige for Nigeria's sports tourism sector.
