ECOWAS Marathon targets World Athletics Gold Label status
The Economic Community of West African States Commission has unveiled plans to elevate the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon to World Athletics Gold Label status within the next four years, making it one of the most prestigious road races globally.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, ECOWAS Director of Youth and Sports, Amb Francis Njoaguani, who also serves as the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, announced exclusive prize money incentives for West African runners participating in the 2025 edition.
“The first West African runner to cross the finish line will receive $1,000. The second-place finisher will earn $500, while the third, fourth, and fifth-place runners will receive $400, $250, and $200, respectively,” Njoaguani said.
This initiative aims to encourage regional participation and celebrate homegrown talent as the marathon commemorates the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS.
Currently, the event stands as the most lucrative half marathon in Africa, with winners of the 21km race taking home $10,000 each. Second and third-place finishers will earn $5,000 and $4,000 respectively, with decreasing prize money down to $1,000 for the tenth-place finisher.
For the 5km category, the first-place winner will receive $1,000, with prizes declining to $100 for the fifth-place finisher.
Njoaguani expressed delight at the marathon’s rapid growth despite the challenges faced in its early years. The 2025 edition is expected to attract over 5,000 runners from across the globe, with ECOWAS fully sponsoring participants from all member states.
Significant interest has been shown by runners from Ghana, Senegal, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as from regions beyond Africa, including the United States, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Switzerland.
The organisers have made minor adjustments to the race routes for the upcoming edition. The 21km race will begin and end at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters, while the 5km race will start at Independence Drive by Sahad Stores and CDB, concluding at the ECOWAS Commission.
Beyond its competitive aspect, Njoaguani emphasised that the marathon serves as a unifying platform for West African nations, fostering regional integration and strengthening community bonds.
