Kenyan and Ethiopian Athletes Shine as Enugu City International Marathon Records International Success.
Enugu Media Village | August 29, 2026.
ENUGU, NIGERIA — Enugu State on Saturday, August 29, 2026, witnessed a spectacular display of athleticism, unity and international sporting excellence as the Enugu City International Marathon 2026 brought together elite athletes, fitness enthusiasts, residents and visitors for a historic road-running event.
Held under the inspiring theme, “Running for Fitness, Unity and a Healthier Enugu,” the marathon showcased Enugu’s growing capacity to host major international sporting events while promoting healthy living, community participation and tourism.
The event featured the highly competitive 42KM Elite Marathon alongside the 10KM Fun Run, drawing participants from different backgrounds and creating an atmosphere of excitement across the Coal City.
42KM Elite Marathon
The 42KM Elite race commenced at 6:30 AM from ShopRite, Polo Park, along Abakaliki Road, with elite athletes setting out on the demanding course towards the finish line at Michael Okpara Square, Independence Layout.
The competition produced outstanding performances, particularly from athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia, who dominated the podium positions in the male and female elite categories.
Male 42KM Elite Winners
Edwin Kipyogo of Kenya emerged as the overall winner in the men’s 42KM Elite category, securing the prestigious first-place prize of $15,000.
He was followed by Habtamu Girma of Ethiopia, who finished in second position and received $10,000, while fellow Ethiopian athlete Shiferaw Daltiemayo placed third and earned $5,000.
The men’s podium was therefore:
- 🥇 Edwin Kipyogo — Kenya — $15,000.
- 🥈 Habtamu Girma — Ethiopia — $10,000.
- 🥉 Shiferaw Daltiemayo — Ethiopia — $5,000.
Female 42KM Elite Winners
The women’s 42KM Elite category also produced an impressive international contest, with Zennebe Aberu of Ethiopia emerging as the champion.
Aberu claimed the first-place prize of $15,000, while Negashu Chatiu finished second and received $10,000. Adugna Mahley completed the top three, taking third place and a prize of $5,000.
The women’s podium was:
- 🥇 Zennebe Aberu — Ethiopia — $15,000.
- 🥈 Negashu Chatiu — Kenya — $10,000.
- 🥉 Adugna Mahley — Kenya — $5,000.
The combined prize money for the six elite podium finishers amounted to $50,000, reflecting the scale and ambition of the international sporting event.
10KM Fun Run
In addition to the elite marathon, the event featured a 10KM Fun Run, which provided an opportunity for members of the public, fitness enthusiasts, young people and other participants to take part in the celebration of physical fitness and healthy living.
The 10KM race commenced at 8:30 AM from Chris Tee Petrol Station on CIC Road, with participants making their way to the common finish line at Michael Okpara Square.
The inclusion of the Fun Run ensured that the marathon was not limited to professional athletes but also served as a broad-based community fitness event.
Marathon Expo and Pre-Race Activities
The marathon experience began several days before race day with the Marathon Expo and Kit Collection, held from August 24 to August 28, 2026, at Michael Okpara Square.
The expo featured vendor displays, health and wellness exhibitions, cultural showcases and other activities, creating an avenue for participants and members of the public to interact, prepare for the race and experience aspects of Enugu’s vibrant culture.
The activities also helped build anticipation ahead of the main marathon, turning the event into a broader celebration rather than a one-day sporting competition.
A New Chapter for Enugu’s Sporting Profile
The successful staging of the Enugu City International Marathon 2026 represents another significant development in the state’s efforts to promote sports, healthy living, tourism and international visibility.
Beyond the competition itself, the marathon offered an opportunity to showcase Enugu to visitors and athletes from across Nigeria and beyond. The participation of elite runners from countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia further underscored the international character of the event.
The marathon also provided a platform for residents to embrace physical activity and reinforce the importance of fitness as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Enugu’s Commitment to Major Events
The successful event further demonstrates the importance of deliberate planning and investment in infrastructure, sports and urban development in creating an environment capable of hosting international-standard events.
The marathon’s route through parts of Enugu and its grand finish at Michael Okpara Square provided a unique opportunity to present the Coal City as a destination capable of combining sporting excellence with culture, hospitality and urban development.
With athletes crossing the finish line and spectators cheering participants along the route, the event transformed parts of Enugu into a vibrant celebration of sportsmanship and community spirit.
Running Towards a Healthier Future
The Enugu City International Marathon 2026 went beyond the awarding of prizes and the recognition of winners. It delivered a message about the importance of fitness, unity, discipline, perseverance and healthy living.
For the elite athletes, the marathon was a test of endurance and competitive excellence. For thousands of other participants and spectators, it was an opportunity to be part of an event that brought people together around a shared commitment to fitness and community.
The outstanding performances of Edwin Kipyogo, Habtamu Girma, Shiferaw Daltiemayo, Zennebe Aberu, Negashu Chatiu and Adugna Mahley will remain among the major highlights of the 2026 edition.
As the athletes celebrated their achievements and participants completed their respective races, the Enugu City International Marathon 2026 ultimately stood as a powerful demonstration of how sports can unite people, promote healthier communities and project a city’s image to an international audience.
Enugu City Marathon 2026 — Running for Fitness, Unity and a Healthier Enugu.