“Poverty is the worst form of violence.” — Mahatma Gandhi.
The Calabar Marathon™ is a multi-impact sport-for-youth-development initiative annually organized by the Calabar Marathon & CR Foundation® in collaboration with the Cross River State Tourism Bureau. The event leverages on mass participation, while promoting civic engagement, health, tourism, and community empowerment.
The 2026 Edition runs with the theme: ‘Run for Conscience against Poverty’. Our partnership with nominated Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) will promote youth empowerment, wellness, and conscience-driven action against poverty throughout the period 2026-2027.
2026 Theme:
Run for Conscience against Poverty
Calabar Marathon™ over the years
2021 Calabar Marathon™ (Premiere Edition) ** Theme: Run for Diversity Date: 25th August, 2021 Prize Awards: Males and Females 1st Prize Winner(s) – Three Hundred Thousand Naira Only 2nd Prize Winner(s) – Two Hundred Thousand Naira Only 3rd Prize Winner(s) – One Hundred Thousand Naira Only Consolation Items – Goody Bags/Kits, Mini Refrigerators, 20 Packs of Malta Guinness etc Represented States – 14 ꟾ Foreign Nation(s) – 2 (Cameroon) The event featured the Tour Nigeria Brand of Nigerian Tourism Development Commission (now Authority) – N.T.D.A.
2024 Calabar Marathon™ (2nd Edition) Theme: Say No to Drugs & Substance Abuse Date: 30th March, 2024 Prize Awards: Males and Females 1st Prize Winner(s) – Five Hundred Thousand Naira Only 2nd Prize Winner(s) – Three Hundred Thousand Naira Only 3rd Prize Winner (s) – Two Hundred Thousand Naira Only Consolation Awards – One Hundred Thousand Naira Only (10 Recipients) Represented States – 19
2025 Calabar Marathon™ (3rd Edition) Theme: Run for Development & Peace Date: 19th April, 2025 Prize Awards: Male and Female Athletes 1st Prize Winner – One Million Naira Only 2nd Prize Winner – Five Hundred Thousand Naira Only 3rd Prize Winner – Three Hundred Thousand Naira Only Consolation Prizes – One Million Two Hundred Thousand Naira Only (#1.2m) (12 Recipients @ #100,000 each) Represented States – 17
Key facts about the Calabar Marathon™
⦁ Event has so far attracted over 3,000 athletes and volunteers
⦁ 48% of registered athletes were from other States (and 2 Cameroonians) while 62% were Cross Riverians
⦁ Over 120,000 spectators (hawkers, market women, traders, city folks, tourists, NYSC Corps members and fans of athletes) cheered-on the contestants along the Carnival Calabar race route.
⦁ 21 media houses covered the 2025 event reaching over 40 million listeners, readers, followers on new media (online/social media) and traditional media (newspapers et al) across the country.
⦁ 3 Radio stations covered the event (HIT FM, FAD FM and CRBC) reaching over 5 million listeners and followers across Nigeria (2025).
Mission
To redirect youth energy away from negative influences including crime and drugs towards healthy living and wellness, while promoting Destination Cross River. Our mission seeks to boost the local economy, foster global interaction, and discover athletic talent, with a focus on youth development and community engagement.
Vision
To redefine the future of deprived children and youths wherever they may be using creative and established sports.
Values
Promoting Tourism: The event aims to showcase Cross River State as a preferred tourism destination, highlighting its scenic beauty and cultural landmarks.
Youth Development: The marathon seeks to consistently engage youths in positive activities, redirecting their energy towards healthy living and away from negative influences.
Economic Growth: The event is expected to boost local businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and transportation, contributing to the state’s economic development.
Health and Wellness: The event promotes healthy living, encouraging participants to prioritize fitness and well being.
Sports Development: The marathon aims to discover and nurture local athletic talent, providing opportunities for participants to compete nationally and internationally.
Global Tourism Recognition: The event gives Calabar hence Cross River State an international sports tourism pedigree, common among all top tourism destinations.
Cultural Exchange: The marathon annually attracts participants from across all of Nigeria and beyond, fostering global interaction and cultural exchange.
Push your limit and birth a dream, because you know you can. Register HERE
