The Enugu State Police Command has deployed 2,100 personnel to provide security for the second edition of the Enugu City International Marathon scheduled to hold Saturday, August 29, 2026.

The police deployment Is part of measures to ensure the safety of athletes, spectators, residents and other participants during the international sporting event.

Speaking at a world press briefing in Enugu on Friday, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Oliver Odimega, who represented the Commissioner of Police, Maman Bitrus Giwa, assured participants and residents of adequate security throughout the race.

Odimega said the command would work closely with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other sister security agencies to ensure a hitch-free marathon.

“We have deployed about 2,100 police personnel for the purpose of this race. We assured you of maximum security. The police will be working with the DSS and other sister security agencies to ensure a hitch-free event,” he said.

The command also warned motorists of temporary restrictions along major routes in the Enugu metropolis as the 10-kilometre and 42-kilometre races will take athletes through major avenues in the city.

According to the organisers, vehicular traffic will be restricted between 6:00am and 12:30pm tomorrow along portions of the marathon routes to provide athletes with unobstructed access and ensure public safety.

The marathon will commence from the Shoprite/GTC area along Abakaliki Road and culminate at Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu.

Athletes from Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya and other countries have already arrived in Enugu for the race, further underscoring the International status the organisers hope to build for the event.

The winner of the marathon’s first prize is expected to smile home with $50,000, with the prize money forming part of the attractions for elite athletes participating in the competition.

The event Is sponsored by Nilayo Sports Management, Pinnacle Oil, Power Oil, Enugu Air, Aquafina and other corporate partners.

Speaking at the briefing, Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Barr. Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu, said the second edition would be a marked improvement on the inaugural race held in 2025.

Ekweremadu said the marathon was not merely a sporting competition but a strategic platform for showcasing Enugu to Nigeria and the international community as a tourism and investment destination.

“This is much more than a slogan. It is a statement about where Enugu is today. Tomorrow runs here because the future we are building is already taking shape in Enugu,” he said.

He explained that the marathon would generate economic opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, businesses and young people, while promoting healthy living, tourism and sports development.

The commissioner said about 3,000 volunteers would also be deployed to support the successful organisation of the event, adding that lessons from the inaugural edition had been used to improve route management, athlete experience, security, medical arrangements and stakeholder coordination.

“We have taken from the first edition and we shall improve on this one. We are here to build an institution. Enugu is a destination for major sports events,” Ekweremadu said.

He added that the marathon was also part of the state’s broader preparations to host the 23rd National Sports Festival, Enugu 2026, later in the year.

Representing the Commissioner for Transport, Obi Ozor, Dr. Okolo explained that relevant agencies had been working on traffic management to minimise inconvenience to residents while ensuring the safety of participants.

Ekweremadu appealed to Enugu residents and motorists to cooperate with security and traffic management agencies by planning their movements ahead of the temporary restrictions.

He said the state government, under Governor Peter Mbah, was determined to build the Enugu City International Marathon into one of the most respected road-running events in Africa and ultimately on the global calendar.

He urged participants coming from within and outside Nigeria to experience not only the competition but also the hospitality and attractions of Enugu. (The Nation)