The ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon, held on a Saturday, witnessed the dominance of East African runners in the half-marathon event. Kenyan Harrison Muchira Wanjiru clinched the men’s title with a time of 1 hour 4 minutes and 39 seconds, trailed closely by his compatriot Adam Sulaiman Muhamad. Francis James Musa of Nigeria secured the third position, bringing home the first podium finish for the host nation. Ethiopian women showcased their prowess, sweeping the top two spots. Lydia Natiyaka Wamalawa emerged victorious with a time of 1 hour 15 minutes and 3 seconds, followed by Aberash Minsewo. Nigeria’s Patience Dalyop completed the women’s podium with a third-place finish. This East African dominance in the longer race underscored the region’s established reputation in long-distance running.
In contrast to the half-marathon, Nigerian athletes dominated the 5km race, capturing the majority of the designated prizes for ECOWAS citizens. This victory provided a significant boost for local talent and generated enthusiasm among the Nigerian crowd. The event, which commenced at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters on Yakubu Gowon Way, attracted thousands of participants from within Nigeria and across international borders. The substantial prize money, particularly the $10,000 award for the top finishers in the half-marathon, made it Africa’s most lucrative such race, drawing elite athletes eager to compete for the title.
Beyond the elite competition, the marathon offered a platform for diverse motivations and individual stories. Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential aspirant and a seasoned marathoner, used the event to advocate for social justice, running alongside members of his #Run with Sowore Group and Lazy Man Athletics Club. His participation highlighted the potential of sporting events to amplify social messages and generate conversations beyond the realm of athletic competition.
The marathon also served as a testament to the growing popularity of running as a lifestyle choice. Blessing Mozie, a staff member of the Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria, exemplified this trend. A seasoned marathoner herself, Mozie chose the 5km race due to her unfamiliarity with Abuja’s routes, having previously completed full marathons in Lagos. Her story highlighted the accessibility of running for people of varying experience levels, encouraging broader participation in such events. Mozie’s advocacy for running underscored its health benefits and championed its adoption as a regular practice.
The ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon attracted an estimated 5,000 runners vying for a total prize purse of $71,000. The considerable financial rewards, along with the prestige of the event, attracted a diverse field of competitors. Beyond the cash prizes, the top 200 finishers were awarded bronze medals, commemorating their participation and achievement. This broad recognition further incentivized participation and celebrated athletic achievement across a wider range of participants.
Organized as part of the ECOWAS at 50 celebrations, the marathon significantly contributed to the organization’s objectives of promoting regional engagement and showcasing local talent. Amb. Francis Njoaguani, Chairman of the Main Organising Committee and ECOWAS Director of Youth and Sports, emphasized the event’s role in fostering regional unity and celebrating homegrown athletic prowess. He also articulated the ambitious goal of achieving World Athletics Gold Label status within four years, aiming to elevate the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon to the upper echelons of globally recognized road races. This ambition signaled a commitment to long-term development and the potential for the event to become a major fixture on the international athletics calendar.
