Athletes Storm Calabar For 21.1km Calabar Marathon

The ancient city of Calabar was agog on Saturday as athletes, fun runners and tourism enthusiasts trooped out for the flag-off of the 2026 Calabar Marathon.

This year's edition themed "Run For Conscience Against Poverty" aligns with the present administration People First mantra.

Flagging off the Marathon, the state governor Sen. Bassey Otu represented by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Agnes Atsu said the marathon goes beyond sports, as it embodies the administration's commitment to uplifting the vulnerable and driving inclusive growth.

"Cross Riverians, we are here again to do what we do best. This year's theme resonates with what this government stands for. It says 'Run for Conscience Against Poverty' and we all know this administration came with a mantra of People First," she said.

The Commissioner lauded the Tourism Bureau led by Mr. John Utsu and other partners for putting together what she described as a world-class race.

She noted that the marathon is not just a sporting event but a strategic tourism product to usher in the 2026 edition of Carnival Calabar, described as Africa's biggest street party.

Dr. Atsu further revealed that the state will also host the Governor's Golf Tour as part of activities lined up for this year's Calabar Festival, adding that massive renovation works are ongoing at the Calabar Golf Club to reposition Cross River on the global tourism map.

The Calabar Marathon is being run in three categories - the 21.1km half marathon for elite athletes, 10km for intermediate runners and 5km for home-based and fun runners.