Organisers unveil prize money incentive for W’African runners

Desirous of getting top runners in its quest for gold label status, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has unveiled an exclusive prize money incentive for runners from the region participating in the 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon.

At a press briefing in Abuja, yesterday, ECOWAS Director of Youth and Sports, Francis Njoaguani, who also serves as the chairman of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), said that 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. This incentive, he said, is aimed at encouraging regional participation and celebrating homegrown talent.

Njoaguani emphasised ECOWAS’ long-term vision to elevate the marathon to international prominence, stating that the goal is to achieve the World Athletics Gold Label status within the next four years and also position the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon among the most prestigious road races globally.

Currently, the marathon stands as the most lucrative half marathon in Africa, offering an impressive prize structure for both men and women. Winners of the 21km race will each take home $10,000, while second and third-place finishers will earn $5,000 and $4,000, respectively.

The fourth-place runner will receive $3,500, followed by $3,000 for the fifth, $2,500 for the sixth, $2,000 for the seventh, $1,500 for the eighth, $1,200 for the ninth, and $1,000 for the tenth-place finisher.

In the five-kilometre category, the first-place winner will receive $1,000, the second-place finisher $300, the third-place $250, the fourth-place $150, and the fifth-place $100.

Njoaguani expressed his delight at the marathon’s rapid growth and increasing popularity. He recalled the challenges faced in its early years but noted that it has since evolved into a highly anticipated sporting event.

The 2025 edition, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, is expected to attract over 5000 runners from across the globe. To mark this milestone, ECOWAS is fully sponsoring runners from all member states, both men and women to participate.

Additionally, significant interest has been shown by runners from Ghana, Senegal, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as, from other regions beyond Africa, including the United States, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Switzerland.