By Rita Daniel.
The organisers of the second annual Otorho-Idjere Marathon have announced its date and programme of activities ahead of the race expected to attract runners from across Nigeria and beyond Nigeria.
At a press conference held on Monday, 29th June 2026, the Chief Convener, Engr. Longlife Eko and the Co-Convener, Engr. Sanni Usman, alongside members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and representatives of the Otorho-Idjere Kingdom, unveiled details of the event.
In his address, Engr. Longlife Eko said the marathon held in collaboration with His Royal Majesty, King Obukowho Arthur Ovie Whiskey, JP, PhD, Udureh 1, Ovie of Great Idjere Kingdom is designed to promote peaceful community building, transformation and unity. He noted that the race will serve as an annual platform for youth discipline, fitness development, talent discovery, and showcasing Idjere culture to the world, which will also bring tourist attraction and strengthen the community of Idjere kingdom and Delta State as a whole.
He stated that this year’s event is a 21.097 km , 13.1 miles professionally measured course that will take runners through the heart of Idjere kingdom. He stated that as the convener and initiator of the marathon, that the race will be professionally organised by FENCO Event Spot and Marketing, with their expertise and track record of event and marketing, he said the event will meet global standard in registration, security, timing, medical support, and media coverage. Also, this year’s team is run for peaceful community building and transformation. The purpose is to use athletes to unite kingdom and drive peace and wellness and community transformation , it's objective is to bring people together in one race for peace and harmony to promote change and advocate for healthier peaceful community, encourage fitness and discover grassroot athletes.
The marathon will foster and make a transformed Idjere. The different athletes will run through various communities.
The convener used the opportunity of the press conference to call on all sons and daughters of Idjere kingdom, home and abroad to stand shoulder high and support this forthcoming second edition because the marathon belongs to everyone.
He emphasised that supports can come from sponsorship and participation, whether a cooperate body, a professional, or a student, there is a place for you . So we must stand high to make Idjere kingdom proud, he said. As he concludes, he thanked the marathon organiser's of Nigeria for their technical support, FENCO event management and marketing for their professionalsm, all sponsors and partners for believing in the dream , and the press for making the event go viral.
Mrs Chinyere Eko , in her speech explained how the dream was inspired. She said that the inspiration came from the passion to promote healthy living, empower the young and old through sports to bring Otorho-Idjere on the map of the world. She said that in the last edition, people came from all over Nigeria, Ondo, Abuja and Lagos and that the event is for everybody not just Otorho-Idjere youth.
Engineer Longlife Eko also said that the event has boasted people 's interest after the first edition and more people have registered. More than two hundred participants are currently registered which has given a positive impact to both the young and old.
The local organising committee (LOC) Chairman, Mr. Peter Usen, in his speech, spoke on the prizes to be won. He said that this second edition has bigger prizes compared to the first edition, looking at the way the economy has become. He said the programme will result in the industrial revolution in the nearest future that will bring foreigners, which will help escalate investments in Idjere kingdom. to male categories only. Prize money includes:
1st Prize: ₦500,000
2nd Prize: ₦300,000
3rd Prize: ₦200,000
He also assured that the Local Organising Committee is committed to transparency, inclusiveness, and excellence.
Engineer Longlife Eko and engineer Peter sanni also spoke on the categories of people that will participate in the marathon race.
They said the age bracket will be from eighteen years and above , mainly for the ones that are fit.
He explained that the organisers are expecting 10,000 athletes and that registration will open on 1st August 2026, with both online and physical registration available in Idjere. Registration closes on 30th October 2026.
Medical Support, Security and Entertainment will be available. And accommodation will be made available for those coming from other parts of Delta State and countries.
Speaking on be half of sponsors and partners, Engineer Usman Sanni urged all well-meaning individuals to co sponsor the event to enhance fitness that will boast healthy living.
Mr Event Ekeruvbe, the project consultant, emphasized that the medical team will be vigilant in their duties. All medical support will be provided, and all athletes will be taken proper care of.
The press conference ended with a light refreshment .
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