Our Story
A Vision Born from Passion, Built for Community, Driven by Purpose
A Passion for Athletics and a
Vision for Ekiti State
The story of the Ikogosi Marathon began long before the first runners took to the streets in 2014. It was born from the personal journey, lifelong passion for athletics and commitment to community development of its founder, Makinde Araoye.
An athlete from his younger years, Araoye developed a deep appreciation for sport and the values it represents: discipline, determination, resilience, perseverance and the pursuit of excellence.
Later in life, his passion for running took him around the world, where he participated in marathon events across different countries. Through these experiences, he witnessed firsthand how marathon events brought people together, inspired young athletes, promoted tourism and generated significant economic opportunities for their host communities.
Beyond the excitement of race day, he observed how these events supported local businesses, created employment opportunities, attracted visitors and contributed to the development of cities and communities.
These experiences inspired a simple but ambitious vision: to bring the transformative power of marathon running to Ekiti State.
For Araoye, establishing the Ikogosi Marathon was a chance to combine his lifelong passion for athletics with his desire to give back to his home state. He envisioned a sporting platform that would nurture athletic talent, encourage healthy living, empower young people, promote tourism and contribute to the economic and social development of Ekiti State. That vision became a reality in 2014.
From 241 finishers to thousands
2014
Where it all began
241 finishers · 10 km community road race
The inaugural Ikogosi Marathon was the beginning of a sporting initiative built on the belief that athletics could serve a purpose far greater than competition alone.
Modest in scale, the first edition showed the potential of community-based to bring people together and inspire a new generation of runners.
2019
A new chapter of growth
1,955 finishers · 10 km
In December 2019, the marathon returned for its second edition with the same 10 km distance and a much wider reach, bringing together elite athletes, recreational runners and participants from different communities.
It was an important milestone, showing growing interest in organised road running, and it reinforced the commitment to recognising athletic excellence while giving local runners
the chance to compete alongside established athletes.
2025
A remarkable comeback
3,694 finishers · new 17.5 km race
After a period without a race, the marathon returned with renewed ambition, an expanded distance and a stronger commitment to building a sustainable sporting institution. The third edition introduced the 17.5 km race, a significant evolution from the original 10 km format.
Women among finishers · 2019: 15.5% · 2019: 15.5%
Female participation was a particularly important achievement, reflecting the marathon’s growing appeal among women and its commitment to broader participation in athletics. The successful return showed that the vision set in 2014 remained relevant and capable of inspiring a new generation of runners.
2026
Building momentum
The race takes runners through the scenic landscapes and welcoming communities of Ekiti State. As participation grows, the initiative remains focused on improving race organisation, strengthening safety standards, expanding volunteer engagement, recognising athletic excellence and delivering an increasingly rewarding experience for runners and spectators.
The 2026 edition is also an important milestone on the journey towards a full international marathon by 2027.
Where athletics
meets tourism
The race offers more than a competitive run. It is a chance to discover the landscapes, hospitality and cultural heritage of the communities along its route.
At the heart of it is the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, one of Nigeria’s remarkable natural a ttractions, renowned for the meeting of warm and cold springs. By linking athletics with this destination, the marathon seeks to position Ekiti State as an attractive destination for sports tourism.
A well-organised marathon generates economic benefits far beyond the race itself. Hotels, restaurants, transport operators, food vendors, artisans and other local businesses can all benefit from the movement of runners, supporters, volunteers and visitors into host communities.
Through this approach, the marathon seeks to show how sport can contribute to tourism development, local enterprise and economic activity.
Our commitment to youth empowerment and community development
Since 2014, the marathon has been fully funded by its
founder, Makinde Araoye, through the MKD ARAOYE Foundation
This reflects the founder’s belief that sport can be a practical instrument for youth empowerment, community development and economic growth.
Beyond organising road races, the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative has created direct employment for several young people, helping them gain professional experience, develop practical skills and take part in planning and managing major sporting events.
It has also provided financial support to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who volunteer each year, giving them practical experience, teamwork, organisational development and community service.
The impact of a sporting event should be measured not only by the runners who cross the finish line, but by the opportunities it creates and the communities it supports.
More than a race: our mission
Sport has the power to inspire individuals, strengthen communities and create opportunities for development.
Healthy living
Promote healthy living and physical fitness.
Talent
Discover and nurture athletic talent.
Youth
Encourage youth participation.
Community
Support community development.
Tourism
Showcase Ekiti State’s tourism potential.
Women in athletics
Encourage greater female participation and welcome runners of every ability.
We seek to provide an inclusive platform where elite athletes, recreational runners, young people and individuals from diverse backgrounds can challenge themselves, pursue excellence and experience the rewards of determination and perseverance.
Beyond competition, we aim to strengthen relationships among communities, promote volunteerism and encourage the collective effort needed to build a lasting sporting institution.
Our vision: the road to an international marathon in 2027
42.195 km
By 2027, the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative aims to establish a full international marathon in Ekiti State.
From a 10 km community race in 2014 to a 17.5 km event attracting thousands, the marathon has continued to evolve. This vision is the next stage of a journey inspired by Makinde Araoye’s experiences at marathons around the world.
The goal is a professionally organised marathon that meets recognised international standards, attracts elite and recreational runners from across Nigeria and beyond, and places Ekiti State on the international road-running calendar.
Achieving this will take continued investment in race organisation, route development, athlete welfare, safety, infrastructure, partnerships and the overall participant experience.
But the vision extends beyond recognition. We aspire to build a marathon that contributes to Ekiti State’s economy, creates opportunities for young people, supports local businesses, attracts visitors and promotes the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
The journey to 2027 is not simply about a longer distance. It is about expanding what the marathon can achieve for its participants and host communities.
A legacy beyond the finish line
From 241 finishers in 2014 to thousands of participants today, the marathon is a journey of passion, perseverance and commitment to a larger purpose. What began as one person’s vision has grown into an initiative supported by dedicated staff, volunteers, athletes, communities and partners who believe sport can make a difference.
Through the continued commitment of its founder and the MKD ARAOYE Foundation, the initiative remains focused on building a sustainable institution that will serve Ekiti State for generations. Our ambition is clear: to raise the standard of road running, inspire young athletes, promote tourism, create economic opportunities and establish the Ikogosi Marathon as a recognised international sporting event.
The Ikogosi Marathon is more than a race. It is a vision for people, communities, and the future of Ekiti State.
Founded in 2014 by Makinde Araoye
Funded since inception through the MKD ARAOYE Foundation.
Be part of the next chapter
Run the 17.5 km from Ilawe to the Ikogosi Warm Springs, or help deliver the race.