Oyo Gov’t Pledges Support As Splash FM Ibadan City Marathon Returns For 12th Edition
•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu
IBADAN – THE Splash FM Ibadan City Marathon has returned for 12th Edition After Four-Year Hiatus, as Oyo Government Pledges Biggest Support Yet
The historic Splash FM Ibadan City Marathon is set to make a grand return on Sunday, August 17, 2025, after a four-year break, with organisers promising the most ambitious edition yet in the event’s history.
The announcement was made today at a press conference held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (formerly Liberty Stadium), Ibadan, for the event organized by Splash FM, Ibadan, in collaboration with the Oyo State Government.
The 12th edition will bring together nearly 700 registered athletes from across Nigeria and beyond, reaffirming its status as the first full marathon in Sub-Saharan Africa since its inception in 2008.
Speaking at the press conference, the General Manager of Operations, Splash FM, Mr. Tunde Olawuwo, said the four-year hiatus had only strengthened anticipation.
“This isn’t just a race; it’s a homecoming,” he declared.
“Even in the break, the marathon’s heartbeat never stopped; it only stayed silent, waiting for the right moment to return. That moment is now, and we are elevating it in every sense of the word.”
Olawuwo revealed that the event, which cost about ₦30 million to organise, has seen its prize fund increased from ₦3 million to ₦4 million, with ₦1.2 million for the overall winner and ₦800,000 for the first female finisher. Medals will be awarded to the top 20 runners, while every participant who completes the 42km course will receive a certificate.
“When we reward excellence, we inspire more excellence,” he said. “We want our athletes to know their grit, sweat, and discipline matter. This marathon belongs to Ibadan, and its success will be our shared victory.”
He emphasised that the event’s success would rely on collective effort.
“From the security agencies to the medical teams, from the cheering crowds to the last runner who crosses the finish line, every role is important. This is not just about running with your feet; it’s about running with your pride in Ibadan.”
Also at the event, Oyo State’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss. Wasilat Adegoke, described the 12th Splash FM Ibadan City Marathon as a “landmark moment” for the state’s sports development.
“Since the marathon’s inception in 2008, no administration before ours has been as committed to this event as we are,” she said.
“This is the first time the Oyo State Government is officially identifying with and sponsoring the marathon at every stage. That is not coincidence; it is leadership that believes in the power of sports to transform lives.”
She added that the event aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision of grassroots sports development, youth empowerment, and tourism growth.
“Sports is more than healthy bodies and fast finish lines,” she noted.
“It’s empowerment. It’s discipline meeting opportunity. It’s how champions emerge from modest beginnings. It’s also tourism, bringing energy to our streets, filling our hotels, and showcasing Ibadan’s spirit to the world.”
Adegoke called on residents to turn out in large numbers.
“I want to see our streets alive on Sunday, August 17. Bring your cheers, your umbrellas, your applause. Let every runner feel the warmth of Ibadan from start to finish.”
The 42km race will start and end at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, passing through key city landmarks including High Court, Aleshinloye, Eleyele, Sango, Ojoo, Iwo Road, Bere, Oja’ba, Molete, and back to the stadium.
Organisers assured residents that there will be no complete road closures, as security and traffic management agencies will coordinate movement. Security arrangements will involve the Nigeria Police, Amotekun Corps, Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). Medical teams, ambulances, and water points will be stationed along the route.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Evelyn Fagbemi, Zonal Coordinator of the National Sports Commission (South-West), called the return of the marathon a “breakthrough moment.”
“It tells us that even in the break, the marathon’s spirit never died; it was only waiting to return,” she said, praising the collaboration between Splash FM and the Oyo State Government.
This publication understands that the 12th Splash FM Ibadan City Marathon will kick off at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2025, and conclude by 11:00 a.m. the same day.