About the event
Immerse yourself in the unique blend of academia, culture, and nature as you traverse the stunning university campus. The route showcases the academic region, teaching hospital complex, and staff quarters, offering a glimpse into the intellectual heart of the city. But that's not all – the marathon also takes you on a captivating tour of the outskirts of town, where you'll be enchanted by the natural beauty that surrounds Ile-Ife.
Prepare for a diverse and exciting running experience as the route combines various terrains. You'll conquer roads, trails, and even a few stairs thrown in for an extra challenge. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a first-time participant, there's a distance for everyone. Choose between the full 42km marathon, the half-marathon (21.1km), or the 10km race – each offering its own unique adventure.
The excitement begins as the race is flagged off by the esteemed Vice Chancellor on the vibrant university campus. As you cross the finish line at the Ife Resort, you'll be greeted by the majesty of the Ooni of Ife, who will ceremoniously close off the event. It's a true honor to have these distinguished figures present, making the Ile-Ife Heritage Marathon an event deeply rooted in tradition and heritage.
Mark your calendars for the 4th of February 2024, as runners from all around gather to celebrate the spirit of Ile-Ife through running. Whether you're drawn to the academic aura, the natural wonders, or the cultural significance, this marathon promises an enriching experience that goes beyond the finish line. Join us in preserving and celebrating the legacy of Ile-Ife at this remarkable event.
Races offered by this event
Ile-Ife Heritage Marathon
Ditch your travel guide and let your fellow runners be your town guides.
Runners will set out for the 42.195km tour of Ancient Ife from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and end at a Royal Medal Reception in the Palace of the King of Ile Ife who is traditionally called the Ooni.
The race which is an attempt to bring “Gown” and “Town” together starts from the Motion Grounds of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. The first Kilometer is downhill Road 2 before making a right turn to winding Road 7 leading out of the University Campus to the University Teaching Hospital Complex. A total of 7km is run in the beautiful complex before heading back to Road 2 and heading towards the University Vice-Chancellor’s lodge. Runners will run in the Staff Housing Quarters passing by the former house of the Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka before making a turn around that takes them to the Academic area of the school at Km 14. Runners will then head towards the main Gate leading them outside of the University premises.
Having run 20km on the University premises, runners turn right at the main gate and join the Ife/Ibadan Expressway. The long undulating stretch takes runners away from Ile-Ife towards Ibadan until they make a turnaround at Km 28, the main gate of the Oduduwa University, Ile-Ife and start heading back to town. The stretch back to town will have runners running by the famous Bronze Head Statue, running in the bustling downtown Ile-Ife, running in the most ancient parts of the city, running by the Moremi Statue before heading to the Enu-Owa Palace grounds for a royal reception by the Ooni of Ile-Ife.
Half Marathon
Ditch your travel guide and let your fellow runners be your town guides.
Runners will set out for the 42.195km tour of Ancient Ife from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and end at a Royal Medal Reception in the Palace of the King of Ile Ife who is traditionally called the Ooni.
The race which is an attempt to bring “Gown” and “Town” together starts from the Motion Grounds of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. The first Kilometer is downhill Road 2 before making a right turn to winding Road 7 leading out of the University Campus to the University Teaching Hospital Complex. A total of 7km is run in the beautiful complex before heading back to Road 2 and heading towards the University Vice-Chancellor’s lodge. Runners will run in the Staff Housing Quarters passing by the former house of the Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka before making a turn around that takes them to the Academic area of the school at Km 14. Runners will then head towards the main Gate leading them outside of the University premises.
Having run 20km on the University premises, runners turn right at the main gate and join the Ife/Ibadan Expressway. The long undulating stretch takes runners away from Ile-Ife towards Ibadan until they make a turnaround at Km 28, the main gate of the Oduduwa University, Ile-Ife and start heading back to town. The stretch back to town will have runners running by the famous Bronze Head Statue, running in the bustling downtown Ile-Ife, running in the most ancient parts of the city, running by the Moremi Statue before heading to the Enu-Owa Palace grounds for a royal reception by the Ooni of Ile-Ife.
10KM
Ditch your travel guide and let your fellow runners be your town guides.
Runners will set out for the 42.195km tour of Ancient Ife from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and end at a Royal Medal Reception in the Palace of the King of Ile Ife who is traditionally called the Ooni.
The race which is an attempt to bring “Gown” and “Town” together starts from the Motion Grounds of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. The first Kilometer is downhill Road 2 before making a right turn to winding Road 7 leading out of the University Campus to the University Teaching Hospital Complex. A total of 7km is run in the beautiful complex before heading back to Road 2 and heading towards the University Vice-Chancellor’s lodge. Runners will run in the Staff Housing Quarters passing by the former house of the Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka before making a turn around that takes them to the Academic area of the school at Km 14. Runners will then head towards the main Gate leading them outside of the University premises.
Having run 20km on the University premises, runners turn right at the main gate and join the Ife/Ibadan Expressway. The long undulating stretch takes runners away from Ile-Ife towards Ibadan until they make a turnaround at Km 28, the main gate of the Oduduwa University, Ile-Ife and start heading back to town. The stretch back to town will have runners running by the famous Bronze Head Statue, running in the bustling downtown Ile-Ife, running in the most ancient parts of the city, running by the Moremi Statue before heading to the Enu-Owa Palace grounds for a royal reception by the Ooni of Ile-Ife.
Course details
Course highlights
1) The race starts at the Sports Centre Complex of the Obafemi Awolowo University creating an energetic atmosphere for participants. 2) Runners will traverse two loops of the popular and scenic University 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. The closing ceremony at the Resort will offer 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, NigeriaFinish address
Ife Grand Resort, Ife, NigeriaRoute map
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