By Ado Salisu
The Federal Capital Territory is set to come aliv e as the 3rd edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon returns on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
Organized by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, the 21-kilometre race has rapidly grown into one of Nigeria’s leading road races, attracting elite athletes, recreational runners, fitness enthusiasts and corporate teams from across Nigeria and beyond.
According to the organizers, registration for participants opened on Friday, September 18, 2026, both online and physically at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja. Prospective runners have been advised to register early to allow adequate time for training and preparation.
The event continues the successful partnership between sole sponsor, PremiumTrust Bank, and Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a collaboration that has elevated the profile of the half marathon since its inaugural edition in 2024.
Managing Director/CEO of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, expressed confidence that the 2026 edition will build on past successes and meet international standards, with enhanced athlete services, world-class logistics, medical support, security and spectator entertainment.
She noted that this year’s race will place greater emphasis on athlete welfare, improved route management, entertainment zones along the course, and a more immersive experience for spectators and families who turn out to cheer the runners.
Beyond the competition, the Abuja City International Half Marathon has become a significant platform for promoting healthy living, fitness culture, community bonding and sports tourism in the nation’s capital.
The race route, which showcases some of Abuja’s most iconic landmarks and scenic corridors, offers participants and viewers a unique blend of sport and city pride.
The event also holds strategic importance for Nigerian athletics, providing home-based long-distance runners with a world-class platform to compete against top international athletes, gain ranking points, and prepare for continental and global championships.
Since its debut, the half marathon has contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s road racing ecosystem, inspiring thousands of young Nigerians to embrace running as a lifestyle and creating economic opportunities for vendors, volunteers, and the hospitality sector within Abuja.
The November 14 race is expected to once again turn Abuja into a celebration of athletics, resilience and unity, reinforcing the FCT’s status as a preferred destination for major sporting events and as a city that champions healthy living and active lifestyles.