From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The fourth edition of the Calabar Marathon is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 31, 2026, with a cash prize of N1.5 million for the winners in both the male and female categories.
The Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, John Atsu, disclosed this while briefing media representatives in Calabar.
Atsu said the marathon would feature three race categories: 21.1 kilometres, 10 kilometres and five kilometres.
He explained that participation was open to individuals aged 16 and above, stressing that there would be no discrimination based on age among eligible participants.
“There are no restrictions on anybody participating. All we are looking for is who will represent Cross River State at the national level,” Atsu said.
Also speaking, the President of Calabar Marathon Tradition, Charles E. Ada, said the 2026 marathon, themed “Run for Conscience Against Poverty,” was designed to complement Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s efforts to promote sporting activities in the state.
Ada announced that winners in both the male and female categories would receive N1.5 million each, while runners-up would receive N700,000 each.
Participants who finish in third place would receive N500,000 each, while those in fourth place would be awarded N300,000 each.
According to Ada, MTN, NNPC and Globacom have indicated their readiness to partner with the organisers for the event.
He assured participants and spectators that adequate security arrangements would be made to ensure a safe and hitch-free marathon.
The Calabar Marathon is expected to bring together athletes and fitness enthusiasts while promoting sports, tourism and public awareness of poverty-related issues in Cross River State.
