PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Earns World Athletics Label

Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) today announced the second edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, scheduled to electrify Nigeria’s capital city on Saturday, December 6, 2025. This second edition is set to be held under the theme, “Steady Strides,” and according to the organizers, embodies the measured, ambitious rhythm of long-distance running, and is demonstrated in the progressive plans and actions currently underway, weaving the tapestry of the race’s future as a consolidated global leader and Platinum-Labelled race.

In a landmark achievement for Nigerian sports, the PremiumTrust Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially awarded the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition, making it the first marathon race in the world to secure this status in such a short timeframe. This extraordinary milestone and unprecedented ascent mirrors the trajectory of its title sponsor, PremiumTrust Bank, which is presently recognized as the fastest-growing commercial bank in Nigeria. It also speaks to the meticulous organization by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, organizers and technical consultants of the race.

The 2025 event is expected to attract the global elite of long-distance running, top local athletes, marathon enthusiasts, as well as officials from World Athletics, who will oversee the competition.

Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, while expressing her excitement about this exclusive collaboration said, “This second edition is fundamentally unique because it is the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation, and arguably, even globally. It is important to note that PremiumTrust Bank is not just a sponsor, but has solely seized the opportunity to etch its name at the center of the growth of a potential global legacy. PremiumTrust Bank, today, is the only brand partnering with us on the establishment, organization and consolidation of a global marathon race in Nigeria’s capital city, and for that we are proud and grateful. My profound thanks go to the bank’s visionary leadership for not just seeing the immense potential from the first edition, but for now looking to single-handedly drive the future of the race to international acclaim.”

Also commenting on the announcement, the Managing Director of PremiumTrust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON), highlighted the alignment of values and said, “PremiumTrust Bank is built on the philosophy of rapid, impactful, and sustainable growth, and the theme of this year’s marathon perfectly reflects our operational ethos. Achieving World Athletics Label status.