In 2018, the Ile-Ife Heritage Marathon was founded with the hope of building an event for the entire ancient city of Ile-Ife. For the past 5 years, runners, volunteers, spectators and community members have shown up on the streets of Ile-Ife to support one another and to turn an individual sport into a collective experience.
We hope to once again line 42.195km of our streets for the Sixth Edition on February 4, of 2024. The satisfaction of everyone participating in and supporting the event remain our highest priority. In response to the general clamour for shorter distances to encourage inclusiveness, the event organizers have come to a decision to include the 21.1 km, 10km and 5km distances to our event. On a personal note to the runners who have kept our race going for the past five years, we want to thank you for all the kilometres, for your loyalty and for your spirit. The Ile-Ife Heritage Marathon has always been your race and with your continued commitment to the sport, we will continue to be of service to our worldwide community.
We are returning to the streets of Ile-Ife with a big bang after our one year break to restrategize. Our return will still be a celebratory moment and an uncompromising statement about the collective spirit of who we are as a running community. We are powerful, we are persistent and we will reach the finish line.
We will add the additional distances of 10km and 21.1km runs and 5km fun walk to our usual 42.195km in the 2024 Sixth Edition. We announce with great pleasure that we will once again be able to run an official 42.195km from Obafemi Awolowo University Campus to the the ancient town of Ile-Ife.
10% of entry fees will be donated to the Osun State Branch of the Nigerian RedCross Society and 10% of entry fees will be donated to identified local schools.
The RedCross Society in its national and international capacity prevents and alleviates human suffering. We believe education is critical for our collective future success.
Join the Ile-Ife Heritage Marathon team to support the Osun Branch of the Nigerian RedCross by signing up to run with us on the 4th of February, 2024.
Course details
Course highlights
1) The race starts as the University Vice Chancellor kicks off event at the Sports Centre Complex, creating an energetic atmosphere for participants. 2) Runners will traverse two loops of the popular and scenic Rd 1, which connects the University Campus to the University Main Gate, providing a picturesque route. 3) Enjoy the architectural beauty of the faculties of Health Sciences, Pharmacy, and Technology buildings that line both sides of Rd 2, enhancing the visual appeal of the course. 4) Don’t overlook the more recently constructed Post Graduate School and Museum on the same road, adding a cultural element to the marathon. 5) At the Rd 7 junction, veer off Rd 2 to explore the OAU International School and Moremi High School, providing a glimpse into the educational institutions within the campus. 6) Rd 7 takes you outside the campus briefly, where you’ll embark on an out-and-back tour of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Complex offering a unique perspective on the university’s healthcare facilities. 7) After the tour of the Teaching Hospital, you will return to Rd 2 to continue the race, promising a diverse and engaging marathon experience within the vibrant campus of Obafemi Awolowo University. 8) Rd 2 leads you through the Staff Quarters, offering a glimpse of the university’s rich history and culture, including the Wole Soyinka Museum, the Vice Chancellor’s Lodge, and charming buildings housing university staff. 9) The marathon route then takes a unique turn, leading you on a trail to explore the University Farm, giving participants a taste of the university’s agricultural endeavors. 10) As you leave the farm behind, you’ll enter the academic region and the student residential area, where the architecture of the campus shines through, showcasing the blend of modern and traditional designs that make the campus beautiful. 11) Finally, the journey culminates in the ancient city, where the grand finale awaits. His Imperial Majesty will warmly receive participants at the Ife Grand Resort, offering a regal and unforgettable conclusion to the Ile Ife Heritage Marathon, celebrating both the university’s heritage and the grandeur of the ancient city.
Start address: Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
Finish address: Ife Grand Resort, Ife, Nigeria
Route map
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