Long distance running will meet deep rooted tourism come October 31, 2026. The ground for it will be Ikogosi, Ekiti State.
As plans get underway, The 2026 Ikogosi Marathon is now set to bring together about 8,000 runners from Nigeria and beyond as Ekiti State strengthens its push to harness sports, tourism and hospitality as drivers of economic development.
Organised by the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative in collaboration with the Ekiti State Government, the 17.5-kilometre road race will take place on Saturday, October 31, 2026, with the route running from Ilawe-Ekiti to the renowned Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort.
Earlier, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, reaffirmed the state government’s support for the event, describing initiatives of this nature as important platforms for youth development, grassroots sports, sports tourism and increased economic activity across the state.
The 2026 edition is expected to surpass the success of last year’s race, which attracted about 5,000 participants from Nigeria and other countries. With the projected increase in participation, organisers are positioning the marathon as one of the state’s major sporting and tourism events.
The competition will also offer a N30 million prize purse to leading elite athletes and eligible Ekiti indigenes, providing an added incentive for high-level competition while creating a platform for local athletes to gain recognition and reward.
Beyond the sporting contest, the marathon is expected to generate significant opportunities for businesses, hospitality operators, transport providers, food vendors, artisans and other players within Ekiti’s tourism and service economy.
At the heart of that experience will be Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, the iconic hospitality destination where the race will conclude. The resort’s unique warm and cold springs, natural environment and hospitality offerings provide an ideal setting for participants, visitors and spectators to experience the tourism potential of Ekiti beyond the race itself.
The marathon therefore offers an opportunity to connect sport with hospitality, leisure and destination marketing. Runners and visitors travelling to Ekiti for the event can experience the resort not merely as the finishing point of a race, but as part of a broader tourism experience built around nature, relaxation, adventure and Nigerian hospitality.
Building on the commendations received after the 2025 edition for organisation, athlete welfare and prompt payment of prize money, organisers say preparations for this year’s race will place renewed emphasis on safety, athlete welfare, efficient coordination and an overall experience that meets international standards.
The scenic 17.5-kilometre route from Ilawe-Ekiti to Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort will also provide a moving showcase of Ekiti’s landscape, culture and infrastructure.
With thousands of athletes, spectators and visitors expected to converge on the state, the Ikogosi Marathon 2026 is shaping up to be more than a road race. It is an opportunity to put Ekiti’s tourism assets, particularly Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, at the centre of a growing sports-tourism story and demonstrate how sporting events can drive destination visibility, hospitality and local economic growth.
