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.
ESTABLISHED2018
000DAYS
:
00HOURS
:
00MINS
:
00SECS
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
SEVENTEEN
KILOMETRES.
A paved, undulating point-to-point course begins at Nkoro T‑Junction and closes at the Marathon Village in OIB Field, Opobo Town.
Assembly and take-off at Nkoro T‑Junction. Race timing follows gun-time results.
Get race-ready →ENTRY IS FREE
THE COURSE17KMScenic tarred roads carry the field through the character and heritage of Opobo.
Enter the race →Finish at OIB Field, Opobo Town—with timing, recovery support and the awards ceremony.
See the awards →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
FREE ENTRY · 17 KM
READY TO
RUN OPOBO?
Eligibility requires completed registration, a signed waiver and medical clearance. Start your entry here and the team will share the remaining steps.
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.
Where does the race start and finish? +
The 17 km route begins at Nkoro T‑Junction and finishes at the Marathon Village in OIB Field, Opobo Town.
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.
07 / LATEST STORIES
FROM THE
START LINE.
Explore memories →Champions crowned as Opobo celebrates another memorable edition
The annual road race continues to draw talented athletes while honouring community, heritage and youth participation.
Your checklist for the next Opobo Marathon
Prepare your personal details, health information, emergency contact and signed waiver before submitting an entry.
From a 2018 beginning to a South-South tradition
Year after year, the event brings runners and supporters together in the heart of Opobo Kingdom.