Over the world, marathon race is seen as a major tool of reducing immense physical and mental stress on human body.

According to experts, running marathon races trigger dramatic physiological shifts alongside long-term health benefits. To them, participating in a long distance race enable the body undergo massive systemic changes, and in the process, keeps it to move forward across roughly 40,000 steps.

For over 12 years now, Nilayo Sports Management Limited has been in the forefront, oranising marathon races across major cities in Nigeria. For Nilayo Sports, Nigerians, both young and old must be part of the immense benefit of participating in marathon races.

From Lagos to Abeokuta, Kaduna, Abuja and Yenagoa, Nilayo has made marathon races a yearly routine for the people. It is the turn of Enugu State.

It started last year, but Nilayo Sports has raised the bar for the 2026 edition of Enugu International City Marathon. This year’s edition, tagged ‘Tomorrow Runs Here’ will hold Saturday, August 29.

According to the Managing Director, Nilayo Sports, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, the 42-km and 10km race will strategically position the Eastern Nigeria state of Enugu as major destination point for tourists across the world.

During the week, Nilayo Sports revealed names of six partnerships, which have joined the race to make Enugu 2026 the best ever organised marathon event in the country.

To them, the increasing list of partners demonstrate growing confidence from the private sector in the Enugu City International Marathon and its potential to become a major fixture on Nigeria’s and Africa’s road-running calendar.

Among the partners are Aquafina Premium Drinking Water, Pinnacle Oil & Gas, African Pits and Quarries (APQ), Power Oil, Afia TV and Radio, as well as Enugu Air.

Mrs. Olopade said the partnership for the 2026 Enugu City Marathon is key, adding that it is strengthening the corporate backing for the race.

“The partnerships bring together leading brands across hydration, energy, infrastructure, health and wellness, media and aviation as Enugu prepares to welcome elite athletes, recreational runners, officials, spectators and sports tourists for the marathon,” she said.

Aquafina Premium Drinking Water, a brand of Seven-Up Bottling Company, was named the Official Refreshment Partner and will provide hydration support for participants, while Pinnacle Oil & Gas joins the event as Official Energy Partner, to provide operational logistics and fan zones during the marathon.

On its part, African Pits and Quarries (APQ) joined the Enugu City Marathon as an official corporate partner, bringing its experience in infrastructure and industrial development to the event. APQ’s support will contribute to route preparation, event production and community engagement initiatives surrounding the marathon.

Power Oil joins the Enugu City Marathon as a partner with a focus on promoting heart health, wellness and active living. The brand’s involvement will include wellness activations, healthy lifestyle education and engagement with runners, families and spectators during the marathon expo and race-day activities, while Afia TV and Radio were unveiled as the Official Media Partner and will provide extensive coverage of activities surrounding the marathon. The partnership will include pre-race programming, athlete interviews, race-day coverage and real-time updates across television and radio.

Enugu Air is the Official Airline Partner of the 2026 Enugu City International Marathon, to support the travel requirements associated with the event, including the movement of elite athletes, officials, dignitaries and sports tourists travelling to Enugu.

At the maiden edition, last year, Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah participated in the 10km event.

“This year, the Governor has promised hold in the 10km,” Mrs Olopade said. “There may be a little adjustment in the 42km route this year.”