Sports
LOC Secures Sponsorship For Coal City Int’l Marathan
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for Coal City International Marathon has secured sponsorships and partnerships from reputable firms ahead of the November 24 schedule for the long distance race.
Tidesports source reports that Coal City International Marathon, which will hold in Enugu metropolis, will be the first-ever international half-marathon to be held in the entire South-East of Nigeria.
The Head, Marketing and Sponsorship of the marathon, Nzube Ndiokwelu, said last Tuesday in Enugu that the LOC secured sponsorships of Ethiopian Airlines as the official Airways of the event.
Ndiokwelu also revealed that RedBull Energy Drink had dotted the lines as the official refreshment drink for the maiden marathon in the South-East region.
“We also received and signed agreement for sponsorship with Three Crown Milk.
“Kwese Cable TV is our Official TV Partner; while Urban Radio, Enugu is the Official Radio Partner for the event.
“We also have iTour Africa as our Official Tour Partners, since the athletes and spectators will have ample opportunities to tour interesting landmark sites in the state,” he said.
According to him, the marathon period will be used to showcase the great culture and tourism prospects of Enugu State to the world.
The LOC member said that Coal City Marathon would put the state on the world map of athletics in the area of development and talent discovery.
He also said that further inquiries could be done through cellphone numbers: 08034004354, 08035537369 and 08156139125.
Tidesports also reports that over 1,320 local and international long distance runners have registered, while the international long distance athletes registered are from Cameroon, Kenya and Ethiopia respectively.
The LOC had earlier revealed that only 3,000 athletes would be allowed to register to participate in the competition to allow for control and adequate provision for athletes.
The LOC had put in place prize money for the winners in the male and female categories of the event.
For each of the categories, the winner gets 3,500 dollars, first runner-up 3,000 dollars and second runner-up 2,500 dollars respectively.
There will also be prize money for the first six winners in each category as well as other consolation prizes.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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