Run the Capital: Your Complete Guide to the Abuja City International Half Marathon

Abuja is ready to lace up again—this time with a global badge of honor. The Abuja City International Half Marathon, organized by Nilayo Sports Management Limited with PremiumTrust Bank as title partner, has earned an official World Athletics Label ahead of its second edition, scheduled for Saturday, 6 December 2025. That puts Nigeria’s capital on the same international road-running calendar as elite destinations around the world and signals a world-class race experience for runners and spectators alike. von.gov.ng+1

Why this matters—for athletes and Abuja’s sports tourism

• Global credibility: A World Athletics Label means higher standards for course measurement, safety, medical support, and athlete services. It also attracts elite fields and more international runners—fresh footfall for Abuja’s hotels, restaurants, and cultural spots. worldathletics.org

• Proven pedigree: Abuja’s inaugural edition in 2024 drew top competition—Kenya’s Shadrack Ngumbau won the men’s race—setting the tone for fast times in the capital. abujadigest.info

• A route built for scenery and speed: The race starts at the Abuja City Gate, one of the city’s iconic landmarks, before unfolding across Abuja’s broad, well-paved avenues—great for runners and for spectators lining the course. sportsrevelation.com.ng

2025 at a glance

• Race day: Saturday, 6 December 2025

• Status: World Athletics Label event listed on the official global calendar

• Organizer / Title Partner: Nilayo Sports Management Ltd / PremiumTrust Bank

• Where to follow official updates: World Athletics calendar and the race’s official channels. worldathletics.org+1

What runners can expect

• Elite standards: With its World Athletics Label, Abuja joins a select group of certified road races—expect accurate timing, world-class officiating, and a professionally managed course experience. worldathletics.org

• Spectator-friendly start: Abuja City Gate provides a photogenic, easy-to-find rally point for family and friends. Plan viewing parties near key junctions and public spaces along the expressways and in the Central Area for maximum atmosphere. sportsrevelation.com.ng

• Race-week energy: The first edition featured an upbeat pre-race Marathon Expo with kit pick-up and health talks at Jabi Lake Park—a beautiful green-and-waterfront venue that doubles as a day-out destination. Keep an eye on official channels for 2025 expo details. X (formerly Twitter)

Abuja: a weekend built for runners

Turn race day into a mini-holiday with this easy 48-hour plan:

Day 1 (Friday)

• Shakeout jog at Jabi Lake Park, then brunch nearby.

• Afternoon culture hit at the National Mosque and National Christian Centre for architecture lovers.

• Sunset views of Aso Rock from the city’s vantage points; carb-load at one of Abuja’s acclaimed pan-African kitchens.

Day 2 (Saturday – Race Day)

• Head early to Abuja City Gate to beat traffic and soak up the start-line buzz.

• Post-race, celebrate with a picnic back at Jabi Lake or a spa session at a city hotel.

Day 3 (Sunday)

• Slow coffee in Wuse or Maitama; souvenir stroll through local markets; afternoon flight home from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Fast facts from the inaugural edition

• Winner’s purse (2024): The inaugural international category awarded $5,000 to the winner, with additional prizes for podium finishers and top Nigerians. (Prize structures are event-specific and may change; check official 2025 communications before race day.) ThisDayLive

• Champions: Kenya’s Shadrack Ngumbau (men) set the early mark, underlining Abuja’s potential for quick half-marathon times. abujadigest.info

Abuja’s growing running calendar

Abuja is quietly becoming West Africa’s year-round running hub. Beyond the City Half Marathon, the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon (a distinct event) hosted its 2025 edition with strong East African fields—another magnet for regional sports travel. athletics.africa

Abujacity.com

How the label elevates Abuja’s global profile

Voice of Nigeria reports that securing the World Athletics Label for only the second edition is a milestone that elevates Abuja’s visibility among elite road races worldwide—great news for inbound tourism, event sponsorship, and the city’s brand as a clean, green, modern capital built for outdoor living. von.gov.ng

Planning your race-cation to Abuja?

• Book early: December is peak events season; secure flights and hotels in good time.

• Stay central: Accommodations near the Central Area, Wuse, Jabi, or Maitama make logistics easy.

• Bring the crew: Abuja’s boulevards and parks make spectating enjoyable—perfect for families and running clubs.

If you’re a tour operator, hotel, or restaurant in the FCT, get race-week packages ready now—brunch specials, shakeout runs, live-music after-parties—so runners and supporters can experience the best of Abuja in one weekend.

Sources & further reading

• World Athletics calendar listing confirms Abuja PremiumTrust Half Marathon on 6 Dec 2025 with Label status. worldathletics.org

• Voice of Nigeria: “Abuja City International Half Marathon Earns World Athletics Label” (Oct 30, 2025), including organizer/partner details and 2025 date. von.gov.ng

• Route & Start: Reports indicate the Abuja City Gate as the start point for the race. sportsrevelation.com.ng

• 2024 prize purse & build-up: Coverage of inaugural edition prize money and elite field. ThisDayLive

• 2024 winners: Recap of the maiden edition results. abujadigest.info

• Race-week expo (historical): Jabi Lake Park hosted kit pick-up and health talks during the first edition’s expo. X (formerly Twitter)