The Race Information
Table of Contents
1. Race Information (17.5KM)
The Ikogosi Marathon is Ekiti State's flagship road race, staged at the world-famous Ikogosi Warm Springs, Ekiti is the only natural site in the world where warm and cold springs flow side by side and meet at confluence. The 2026 edition centres on a 17.5KM road race that challenges runners across the rolling terrain of Ekiti, showcasing the state's tourism, culture, and hospitality to a national and international audience.The race exists to promote healthy, active living; to position Ekiti State as a leading sports-tourism destination in Nigeria; to create a world-class platform for runners, volunteers, sponsors, and spectators; and to bring visibility and economic activity to local communities along the route.
Overview
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Event Facts
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Details
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Event name
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Ikogosi Marathon 2026
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Race distance
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17.5 Kilometers (17.5KM)
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Date
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Saturday, October 31, 2026
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Location
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Ekiti State, Nigeria
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Start point
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Ilawe Roundabout
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Finish point
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Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, Ikogosi-Ekiti
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Start time
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7:00 AM
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Minimum age
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No minimum age requirement
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Registration fee
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FREE
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Registration deadline
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PENDING
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Number of runner slots
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10,000+
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Race pack contents
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Running bib, race vest/jersey, safety pins, race day guide
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Finisher reward
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Cash, finisher medal for every runner who completes the course
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Getting to the Start
Participants driving to the event are advised to use designated parking at the ***Ilawe-Ekiti Roundabout and other officially marked pick-up points, as roads around the start area will be closed to general traffic from early morning on race day. Shuttle buses will run from key locations across the state to assist runners travelling to the start point.
- Free shuttle buses depart from designated pick-up points across Ekiti State (locations and times to be published closer to race day).
- Runners are strongly advised to arrive at least 90 minutes before gun time to allow for security checks, bag drop, and warm-up.
- The Marathon Organizing Committee is not responsible for lost or stolen personal belongings on race day. Do not place valuables inside your race day bag.
Race Pack, Bib & Number Collection
All registered runners must collect their race pack containing the running bib, race vest, race bag in person (or via an authorized representative) ahead of race day.
- Runners collecting their own pack must present a valid form of identification matching their registration details.
- Where a pack is collected on a runner's behalf, the representative must present a printed copy or at least evidence of the registration confirmation (or the confirmation email) together with their own valid ID.
- Location of Collection of Race Kits: 128 Awedele Road, Opp New Iyin Road Police Station, Ado-Ekiti.
Timing, Vests & Medals
The race will be timed using an electronic timing system. All participants receive an official race vest, and every finisher receives a medal at the finish line.
Hospitality
Refreshments, live entertainment from event hosts will be available at the finish area for runners and spectators.
2. Event Schedule
The Ikogosi Marathon 2026 spans a multi-day event window culminating in race day on Saturday, October 31, 2026. The schedule below covers all public-facing activities the website should display; exact times will be confirmed and updated as the Committee finalizes event-week planning.
Event Week Overview (table)
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Date
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Activity
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PENDING
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Press Conference / Media Launch
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PENDING
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Race Expo opens · Bib & Race Pack Collection · Runners' Technical Briefing
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Saturday, October 31, 2026
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17.5KM Race
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3. Race Categories
The 17.5KM race is open to a range of participant categories designed to widen access, celebrate elite performance, and recognize the diversity of the Ikogosi Marathon community.
Category Structure
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Category
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Eligibility
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Elite Men and Women
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Professional/competitive male & female athletes, by invitation or qualifying time
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Ekiti Indigenes Special Category
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Runners indigenous to Ekiti State
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4. Prize Structure
The Ikogosi Marathon rewards outstanding performance across its race categories with a combination of cash prizes and medals. Final prize values are subject to confirmation by the Committee.
Overall Winners — Cash Prizes (17.5KM)
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Poosition
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Male
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Female
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1st Place (Elite)
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PENDING
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PENDING
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2nd Place
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PENDING
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PENDING
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3rd Place
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PENDING
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PENDING
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1st (Indigene)
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PENDING
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PENDING
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2nd (Indigene)
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PENDING
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PENDING
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3rd (Indigene)
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PENDING
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PENDING
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4th (Indigene)
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PENDING
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PENDING
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5th (Indigene)
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PENDING
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PENDING
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6th-10th (Indigene)
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PENDING
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PENDING
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Non-Cash Recognition
Every finisher receives an official finisher medal.
Prize Claim Process
- Prize-winners may be required to undergo doping/verification checks before prize disbursement (see Race Rules & Regulations).
- Cash prizes would be awarded right after the verification from the technical team.
5. Race Route
The 17.5KM Ikogosi Marathon route takes runners through the scenic landscape of Ekiti State, finishing at the iconic Ikogosi Warm Springs. The course is designed to be safe, well-marshalled, and showcase the natural beauty and communities of the state to a national television and online audience.
Route Overview
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Field
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Details
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Course type
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Point-to-point road race
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Point-to-point road race
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17.5 Kilometers
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Start point
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Ilawe Roundabout
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Finish point
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Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, Ikogosi-Ekiti
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Road surface
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PENDING — tarmac / mixed surface confirmation
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Elevation profile
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PENDING — certified elevation chart required
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Kilometer markers
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Route marked at every kilometer, with distance signage visible to runners
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Road Closures & Traffic Management
Sections of the route will be closed to vehicular traffic from early morning on race day, with traffic marshals and security personnel stationed at key junctions. Residents and motorists along the route will be notified in advance through local media and community announcements. view Race Route (google map)
Emergency Contacts
Race day emergency hotline — 09060002295
Medical Guidance for Runners
Runners are encouraged to discuss any pre-existing medical conditions with a qualified doctor before race day. Warning signs that should stop a runner from competing include fever, vomiting, severe diarrhoea in the days before the race, or chest pain/unusual shortness of breath during training. Runners experiencing any of these should not run and should seek medical advice.