By Kelvin Obambon
The Cross River State Tourism Bureau has announced that the fourth edition of the Calabar Marathon will take place on October 31, 2026, under the theme “Run for Conscience Against Poverty”.
Speaking at a press conference in Calabar on Monday, John Atsu, Managing Director of the Cross River Tourism Bureau and Chairman of the Organising Committee, said the event aims to raise awareness about the impact of poverty while building a world-class race that develops local talent.
“We all know the economic effects of the last few years, inflation, infrastructure, governance and even all the economic impacts across the world,” Atsu said. “As we do this marathon this year, let us be conscious of the impact of poverty in our spaces, in our communities, in Cross River State.”
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He noted that the race would feature three categories: a 21.1-kilometre professional race for elite athletes, a 10-kilometre fun run, and a five-kilometre charity and fitness walk. The course will follow the Carnival Calabar route, which technical officials have measured as 21.1 kilometres using standard marathon equipment. Prize-giving will take place at Marina Leisure Resort under the Governor’s Prize Award.
Charles Ada, Project Manager for the Calabar Marathon, announced an increase in the prize money. According to him, in the national/international category, first place will receive N1.2 million for both male and female winners (up more than 20 per cent from last year), second place N700,000, and third place N400,000. He also disclosed that a new local category for indigenous Cross River athletes will offer N500,000 for first place, N300,000 for second, and N200,000 for third (male and female). The first 28 finishers will also each receive N50,000 as transport support.
Ada credited the late Tourism Bureau chief, Prince Ekpenyong Ojoi with enabling the event’s launch years earlier when the idea was first presented with limited funding. He also recognised local athletes such as Godsmind Nelson, who has competed successfully outside the state, and noted that the marathon provides a platform for young runners across the state.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Tourism, Obi Ayuk, praised the growing collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Tourism Bureau. “I believe in that spirit of oneness,” he said, urging the Managing Director to sustain the momentum.
Speaking on behalf of the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Ordue, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in-charge of operations, ACP Adewalehinmi Joshua, assured the organizers of adequate security. “Cross River has been listed as the most peaceful state in the federation everyone should be reassured that there is nothing to fear,” he said.
While assuring that the Calabar Marathon will have technical support from the Nigeria Association of Athletics Technical Officials (NAATO), Dr Victor Eyam, the state chairman, stressed the need for proper medical screening of athletes to prevent casualties.
In the same vein, Dr Paul Ebiala, former NAATO Chairman, congratulated organizers of the Calabar Marathon for sustaining the event for four consecutive years and expressed hope that the course would eventually expand further.
On his part, Pharm. Franklyn Lumenze, Acting State Lead, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), said the organization has been a long-standing partner for the Calabar Marathon. He promised that AHF will again provide HIV testing, prevention services and awareness campaigns during the event.
The fourth edition of Calabar Marathon forms part of broader efforts under the current administration’s People First strategy to engage communities, schools and sports clubs, turning the race into a platform for youth development and social impact beyond competition.
