Amb. Francis Njoaguani, ECOWAS Director of Youth and Sports and Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee, stated that the first West African runner to finish the marathon will receive $1,000.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has announced a special prize money incentive for West African runners participating in the 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon.

The ECOWAS Commission, which is sponsoring the marathon, made the announcement on Thursday at a press conference.

Amb. Francis Njoaguani, ECOWAS Director of Youth and Sports and Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee, stated that the first West African runner to finish the marathon will receive $1,000.

The runner-up will earn $500, while the third, fourth, and fifth-place runners will be awarded $400, $250, and $200, respectively.

This initiative aims to encourage regional participation and celebrate local talent.

Njoaguani highlighted ECOWAS' long-term vision to elevate the marathon to international prominence.

He mentioned the goal of achieving World Athletics Gold Label status within the next four years, positioning the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon among the world's most prestigious road races.

Currently, the marathon is the most lucrative half marathon in Africa, boasting an impressive prize structure for both men and women.

The winners of the 21km race will each take home $10,000, while the second and third-place finishers will earn $5,000 and $4,000, respectively.

The fourth-place finisher will receive $3,500, while the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth-place runners will earn $3,000, $2,500, $2,000, $1,500, $1,200, and $1,000, respectively.

In the 5km category, the prize for the first-place winner is $1,000, with the second-place finisher receiving $300, the third-place $250, the fourth-place $150, and the fifth-place $100.

Njoaguani expressed his pleasure at the marathon's rapid growth and increasing popularity. He reflected on the early challenges but noted that the event has evolved into a highly anticipated sporting occasion.

The 2025 edition, celebrating the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, is expected to draw over 5,000 runners from around the world.

To commemorate this milestone, ECOWAS is fully sponsoring participants from all member states, both men and women.

Additionally, there has been significant interest from runners in Ghana, Senegal, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, and beyond Africa, including the United States, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Switzerland.

For this edition, minor adjustments have been made to the race routes.

The 21km race will start and finish at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters, ensuring a seamless course for participants.

Meanwhile, the 5km race will start at Independence Drive by Sahad Stores and CDB, ending at the ECOWAS Commission.

Beyond its competitive nature, the marathon serves as a unifying platform for West African nations. Njoaguani emphasized that the marathon is more than just a race, highlighting its role in fostering regional integration, bringing people together to interact, celebrate fitness, and strengthen community bonds.