World Athletics grants label to Abuja Half Marathon News

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World Athletics grants label to Abuja Half Marathon

By Daily Sports Nigeria on October 30, 2025

The Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially recognised by World Athletics with a label status for its second edition, scheduled to take place on December 6, 2025, in Nigeria’s capital, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The development was confirmed on the official World Athletics website, where the event was listed among the accredited World Athletics Label Road Races for the 2025 season.

The recognition marks a significant step for Nigeria’s growing road-running scene, placing Abuja among cities hosting officially certified international races.

World Athletics Label Road Races are considered among the leading road races globally and include the seven World Marathon Majors. The labels are awarded based on specific organisational, technical, and competitive standards, including course measurement accuracy, anti-doping control, and the presence of international elite athletes.

Label races are divided into categories; Platinum, Gold, Elite, and Label, with the Platinum tier having the strictest requirements. Each label requires an international elite field, including athletes from at least five nations meeting World Athletics’ qualifying standards.

The Abuja Half Marathon, organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited in partnership with PremiumTrust Bank, made its debut in 2024.

The second edition, themed “Steady Strides,” is expected to attract both elite and recreational runners from Nigeria and abroad.

Managing Director of NSML, Yetunde Olopade, described the recognition as a reflection of partnership excellence and the growing credibility of Nigerian road races.

“This second edition is fundamentally unique because it represents the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation and arguably, globally,” Olopade said.

“PremiumTrust Bank is not just a sponsor but the sole partner anchoring the establishment, organisation, and consolidation of a global marathon in Nigeria’s capital city. We are proud and grateful for the bank’s visionary leadership, which recognised the immense potential of the first edition and is now driving the race toward international acclaim.”

PremiumTrust Bank Managing Director, Dr Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, added that the recognition aligns with the bank’s commitment to promoting sports excellence.

“This label shows Nigeria can host events that meet global standards and inspire confidence in the country’s sporting potential,” he said.

The 2025 edition will see World Athletics officials oversee proceedings as part of the race’s compliance with international standards. Registration for participants has already opened, with organisers expressing confidence that the event will boost Abuja’s visibility on the global athletics calendar.

Source Punch Ng

Posted October 30, 2025