The historic Splash FM Ibadan City Marathon is set to make a grand return this Sunday, August 17, 2025, after a four-year hiatus, with organisers promising a spectacular 12th edition that will showcase sportsmanship, tourism, and the spirit of Ibadan.
Speaking at a press conference to herald the event, the General Manager of Operations, Splash FM, Mr. Tunde Olawuwo, said the break, occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic had only heightened anticipation.
He confirmed that nearly 700 registered athletes from across Nigeria and abroad will compete, including popular pro-democracy campaigner and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, as well as at least five past winners.
While assuring residents that there would be no complete road closures, Mr. Olawuwo disclosed that security and traffic management agencies would be on the ground to ensure seamless movement.
He added that medical teams, ambulances, and water points will be strategically positioned along the race route.
Landmark Event for Oyo State
Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke, described the return of the marathon as a “landmark moment” for the state’s sports development, affirming that the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration has supported the race more than any other in the history of the state.
The South West Zonal Coordinator of the National Sports Commission, Mrs. Evelyn Fagbemi, called the marathon a “breakthrough moment” for both Splash FM and Oyo State, adding that the technical lead team, which includes the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the National Association of Technical Officials (NATO), is fully mobilised for success.
Prize Money, Route, and Logistics
The 42km race will start and end at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (formerly Liberty Stadium), passing through major city landmarks including High Court, Aleshinloye, Eleyele, Sango, Ojoo, Iwo Road, Bere, Oja’ba, Molete, and Challenge.
The total prize money stands at ₦4 million to be shared among winners, with medals for the top 20 finishers and certificates for every participant who completes the race.
Organisers confirmed that over 70 medical personnel—including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, sports scientists, and Red Cross volunteers—will be on standby, with all athletes fully insured against any eventuality. The Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) will be deployed for security and traffic control.
Members of the public have been urged to exercise patience and understanding as the marathon will run through Liberty, Mobil Ring Road, Aleshinloye–Eleyele, Sango–UI–Ojoo, Iwo Road, Gate–Beere–Molete, and Challenge.
The Ibadan City Marathon, first held in 2008 as the first 42km full marathon in Sub-Saharan Africa, has grown into a celebrated sporting and tourism event, consistently putting Ibadan on the global athletics map.
According to the company, this year’s edition is powered by the Oyo State Government in partnership with the National Sports Commission.