First week of January · Opobo, Rivers State
RUN THE
ISLAND.
Seventeen kilometres through a historic river kingdom—where sport, culture and community move as one.
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01 / THE RACE
ONE ISLAND.
ONE HEARTBEAT.
Founded in 2018, the Opobo Marathon brings runners to Opobo Kingdom during the first week of every January.
It has grown into one of the South-South’s anticipated running experiences—a meeting point for competition, personal joy, charity and community pride.
Why people run →02 / RACE DAY
THREE RACES.
ONE ISLAND.
Choose the challenge that fits you—from the flagship Elite race to accessible 10 km and teen events, all carrying the spirit of Opobo.
FLAGSHIP RACE
ELITE17KMThe full point-to-point challenge for elite and experienced distance runners.
Register for Elite 17km →A spirited road race for runners ready to test their pace and endurance.
Register for 10KM →A safe, energetic Teen Run created to welcome the next generation to race day.
Register for Teen Run →Water every 4 km3 ambulancesCourse medical teamsSweeper busPhysiotherapy at finish
03 / THE EXPERIENCE
WHY WE
SHOW UP.
Some chase a personal best. Some come for the joy of moving. Others turn every kilometre into support for a cause. Every reason belongs on the same road.
Run for fun
Take part for the experience, your wellbeing and the pure pleasure of the road.
Run for prize
Compete under official race timing for overall, women’s, indigenous and teen honours.
Run for charity
Use your race to give back and create meaningful change in the community.
04 / PRIZE MONEY
THE PODIUM
AWAITS.
Equal top prizes are awarded in the men’s and women’s open categories, with dedicated honours for Opobo and teen runners.
- 01₦500,000
- 02₦200,000
- 03₦100,000
- 01₦500,000
- 02₦200,000
- 03₦100,000
FIRST OPOBO FINISHER₦100,000
FIRST TEEN₦50,000
05 / RUNNER’S GUIDE
ARRIVE
READY.
Train progressively, test your race-day plan in advance and put your health first.
Train with intent
Build distance gradually, add rest days, practise race pace and include hills for the course’s undulating sections.
Fuel the work
Prioritise carbohydrates during training, pair them with protein for recovery and never try unfamiliar food on race day.
Hydrate early
Prepare for Opobo’s warm, humid conditions. Drink consistently and practise taking fluids during longer runs.
Listen to your body
Seek medical guidance for health concerns. Do not race with illness, chest pain, unusual breathlessness or injury.
INCLUDED WITH REGISTRATION
Your runner kit
Running singlet · running belt · race bib · timing chip · finisher medal · certificate · finisher T-shirt for official finishers
05 / WATCH THE ENERGY
RACE
TRAILERS.
See the roads, the crowds and the unforgettable finish-line energy before you join us on the island.
OFFICIAL CHANNEL
Feel the race before race day.
Watch official trailers, race recaps and stories from the Opobo Marathon community.
More videos ↗06 / JOIN THE EVENT
CHOOSE YOUR
STARTING LINE.
Runner and volunteer applications now have separate registration journeys.
Runner registration
Select Elite 17km, 10KM Run or the 5KM Teen Run and submit your runner details.
Register to run ↗Volunteer registration
Join the team delivering registration, water stations, course support, media and the finish line.
Register to volunteer ↗07 / OUR PARTNERS
BACKED BY
COMMUNITY.
Our sponsors help make every kilometre safer, stronger and more memorable.
06 / GOOD TO KNOW
QUESTIONS,
ANSWERED.
When is the Opobo Marathon? +
The race is staged during the first week of January. The official event announcement confirms the exact date for each edition.
Which races can I enter? +
Choose the Elite 17km, the open 10KM Run or the youth-focused 5KM Teen Run. Final route and start details are shared with confirmed runners.
What does entry cost? +
Entry is free. Participants must complete registration, meet the medical requirement and accept the race waiver.
What support is available on course? +
Water is supplied every 4 km and at the finish. Medical personnel, ambulances and a sweeper bus support runners along the route.
08 / OUR RECENT NEWS
OUR RECENT
NEWS.
See all news →Three race categories welcome every kind of runner
Meet the Elite 17km, 10KM Run and 5KM Teen Run joining the next Opobo Marathon programme.
Make your race weekend a journey through Opobo
Plan time for the waterways, historic sites, local food and warm island hospitality.
Volunteer applications open for the next edition
Help deliver an unforgettable event across the course, finish line and Marathon Village.