Yesterday, the management team of the Calabar Marathon, led by the Managing Director Cross River State Tourism Bureau Mr. Ojoi Ekpenyong, held a press briefing to provide key details about the upcoming 2025 edition of the race.
Speaking at the briefing, Mr. Charlz Ada, Project Manager and President of the Calabar Marathon Foundation, emphasized that the Calabar Marathon is more than just a race it is a youth-centered initiative promoting health and wellness. Open to participants aged 15 to 65, the marathon is envisioned to become as iconic as the Calabar Carnival, with expected participants from across Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and northern Nigeria.
Mr. Ojoi Ekpenyong, Director General of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, officially announced the commencement of the third edition of the Marathon, tagged “Calabar Marathon for Sweet Prince”, scheduled to hold on April 19, 2025. He expressed gratitude to the Governor of Cross River State for supporting the event and highlighted that the aim of the marathon is to redirect youth energy from drugs and negative influences toward a healthy, purpose-driven lifestyle.
According to Mr. Ekpenyong, the marathon also serves as a strategic tool to promote tourism in the state by attracting both national and international attention.
Prizes for 2025 Calabar Marathon Race
He further revealed that the star prize for the 2025 Calabar Marathon has increased significantly from the previous year. The breakdown of prizes includes:
– 1st Prize (Male & Female): ₦1,000,000 each
– 2nd Prize (Male & Female): ₦500,000 each
– 3rd Prize (Male & Female): ₦300,000 each
– Consolation Prizes for other top performers.
In comparison, the 2024 edition saw over 5,000 athletes participating, with a top prize of ₦500,000. Hon. Ekpenyong also disclosed that the Governor has pledged to raise the star prize to ₦10 million before the end of his administration.
He added that health collaborations are ongoing with medical practitioners who will conduct fitness checks and educate participants on the dangers of drug use. “We’re telling the youths: you can’t make money with drugs, but you can make money with the Calabar Marathon,” he said.
Other dignitaries present at the briefing included Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba (Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties), the Commissioner for Youth Development, the Commissioner for Health, the Special Advisers on Security and Commissioner for Hospitality, as well as representatives from the Nigeria Police and Road Safety Corps—all of whom assured the public of a safe and well-organized marathon event.
