Williams Akpan, Calabar
Athletes competing in the 2026 Calabar Marathon are set to battle for a top prize of N1.2 million each in the male and female national and international categories, while indigenous Cross River runners will compete for a special N500,000 first-place prize as 5 organisers combine sporting competition with a campaign against poverty.
The fourth edition of the race, themed “Run for Conscience Against Poverty,” will promote talent discovery, youth development and community participation, according to the Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, John Atsu.
Speaking to journalists in Calabar on Monday, Atsu said the event would encourage residents to reflect on poverty and the economic difficulties facing individuals and communities.
He added that the organisers wanted to make the marathon a major attraction in the state.
“We intend to make the marathon even better than last year and build from here until we have a truly world-class event that belongs and is retained in Cross River State,” Atsu said.
Project Manager Charles Ada said the organisers had introduced a special category for indigenous Cross River athletes following concerns that runners from other states had dominated the major prize positions in previous editions.
Under the arrangement, first-place male and female winners in the indigenous category will receive N500,000 each. Second-place finishers will collect N300,000 each, while third-place winners will receive N200,000 each.
The national and international category carries a bigger reward, with the first-place male and female winners to receive N1.2 million each. Second-place winners will take home N700,000 each, while third-place finishers will receive N400,000 each.
Ada said the organisers would distribute 28 prizes across the various categories. The first 28 finishers would also receive N50,000 each as transportation support, adding another incentive for athletes participating in the race.
The marathon will feature a 21.1-kilometre professional race, a 10-kilometre fun run and a five-kilometre charity and fitness walk. Athletes from Nigeria and other countries are expected to participate in the professional race.
The 10-kilometre fun run will cater to recreational runners and fitness enthusiasts, while the five-kilometre charity walk will bring together NGOs and organisations supporting community development initiatives.
Ada said the competition had provided young athletes from places such as Bakassi and Obudu with opportunities to meet and compete against elite runners.
He added that organisers were working with partners to extend the initiative to schools, communities and sports clubs.
The race will begin and end at Marina Leisure Resort, following the Carnival Calabar route measured by athletics officials at 21.1 kilometres. The prize-giving ceremony will also hold at the resort after the race.
Commissioner for Tourism Obi Ayuk praised the organisers for keeping the marathon alive for four consecutive years and commended the cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Bureau.
NAATO, the Nigeria Police Force and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation also pledged support.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, Adewalehinmi Joshua, who represented the Commissioner of Police, CP. Geoffrey Ordue assured runners and visitors of adequate security.
NAATO State Chairman Dr Victor Eyam said technical officials were ready but called for stronger medical arrangements and athlete screening to reduce the risk of emergencies.
AHF Acting State Lead Pharm. Franklyn Lumenze said the organisation would provide HIV testing, prevention awareness and referral services during the event.
Former NAATO chairman Dr Paul Ebiala commended the organisers for sustaining the competition, while stakeholders expressed their readiness to help deliver a successful marathon.
For a better society
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