Nigeria’s premier marathon and road race club, the High Altitude Athletics Club of Jos, Plateau State, is set to make a strong showing at the 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Club manager and coach Stephen Nuhu revealed that over 30 elite runners have already arrived in Abuja in preparation for the race. Among them are Sati Musa Bala, Mathias Nenfort Gofwen, Mandela Banki, Geofrey Koptin Gomam, John Dauda, Elisha Friday, Shaba Dare Eniola, Yohanna Friday, Gwet Tokbe Christopher, Shambor Blessing Solomon, Agofure Charity, Akusho Lydia Thomas, Danjuma Agnes, and Mathew Nancy, who will all compete in the half marathon.

Nuhu expressed confidence in his athletes’ ability to secure victories in the men’s and women’s categories as well as the 5km family race.

“We have some very talented young runners capable of winning the 5km race. The real challenge lies in the 21km event, but we are determined to surpass teams from other ECOWAS nations, especially Ghana and Senegal, who we understand are also sending formidable contingents,” he stated.

He also praised the ECOWAS Commission for its commitment to increasing prize money and ensuring prompt payments.

“When it comes to paying prize money on time, the ECOWAS Commission stands out. Once the technical officials certify you as the winner, you receive your money without delays.”

Meanwhile, the Ghanaian Athletics Association and the Ghana Army are also fielding strong teams for the marathon. The Ghanaian contingent, comprising 20 male and female athletes, aims to clinch top positions in both the men’s and women’s categories.