Ile-Ife Heritage Marathon

4.5 (42)
Edition history
Ife, Nigeria
02 Feb, 2025 (Sun)
Event size: 100 - 999 participants (Max 200 participants)

Running

10 km, 21.097 km, 42.195 km

About the event

This prestigious event takes you on a captivating exploration of one of Nigeria's most culturally rich cities.

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

02 Feb, 2025 (Sun) - 05:30
Running

42.195 km

396 m of elevation gain
The course of this marathon has been deliberately designed to read like a must-see list of Ife's most alluring attractions!

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.
Solo
On site
Mixed
Rolling
Point to point
Asphalt
Bridge
Rural
Music
Nature

Half Marathon

02 Feb, 2025 (Sun) - 08:00
Running

21.097 km

The course of this marathon has been deliberately designed to read like a must-see list of Ife's most alluring attractions!

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.
Solo
On site
Mixed
Rolling
Point to point
Asphalt
Bridge
Rural
Music
Nature

10KM

02 Feb, 2025 (Sun) - 09:00
Running

10 km

The course of this marathon has been deliberately designed to read like a must-see list of Ife's most alluring attractions!

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.
Solo
On site
Mixed
Rolling
Point to point
Asphalt
Bridge
Rural
Music
Nature

Reviews

4.5
42 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
Write a review
user avatar
Titobi Oshinyimika
Country flag of NG
Feb 2024
42.195 km

The weather was an highlight, so cool and clean. Followed by the early start and then the massage at the end was so relieving.

user avatar
Idowu Omotayo Ridwan
Country flag of NG
Feb 2024
42.195 km

I had fun, weirdly it was most people fasted run. The weather was great. The route was a bit hilly but wonderful. My only issue was race photography, it seems people who ran faster were not photographed and that only people who ran slow and ran the half-marathon got the best of the photography. The aid stations were good. Security was good. I would run it anytime.

HILLS HILLS HILLS

user avatar
Samuel Egbuson
Country flag of NG
Feb 2024
42.195 km

The fact that the organiser is a runner showed forth. The OAU is a beautiful university. Quite rustic and this years route avoided the hustle and bustle of the town as the race terminated @ Ife Grand resort.

The 26.2 mile distance is beautiful. I can definitely do this again and again.

user avatar
Moyinoluwa Afolabi
Feb 2024
21.098 km

Great route on Obafemi Awolowo University campus, cheerful crowd, more than enough to replenish after the marathon and good medical teams

user avatar
JAMES OTOKWALA
Country flag of NG
Feb 2024
42.195 km

The 2024 Ife Marathon was well organized with lots of support from Man O War, Road Safety and other volunteers. The hills and mountains are typical challenges like real life that one has to overcome. I hope to do better in the next edition and I highly recommend to the running community.

Wow, it was a very challenging one because of the many hills and mountains to climb but in all it was really worth it. I look forward to the next edition

user avatar
Precious Abioye
Feb 2024
21.098 km

It was a great experience I would never forget, I had a nice time running again after a long break. I love everything about it, the organizers did a great job. Kudos to them 👏

That was my first time going for half marathon, the highest I had ever gone for was 7km. At first it was looking like it wasn't going to end again 😭 😂. I was glad I finished because I trained just twice, the training wasn't even up to 10km but then I made it 😭🥳

user avatar
Samuel OYEWOLE
Feb 2024
5 km

We enjoyed ourselves. We shall come next year; keep us informed please.

Excellent route

user avatar
Gabriel Adesoyin
Feb 2024
42.195 km

Sweet route with decent accommodation, and superb organizing. Looking forward to the next installment

Grueling but worth it

user avatar
Adedayo Bamisaye
Feb 2024
42.195 km

It was an interesting experience. I met a lot a cool people and I was able to test my limits. I can't wait for the next edition.

user avatar
Chinenye Iwuji
Country flag of NG
Feb 2024
10 km

Lovely route in lovely location. Great hydration support. Nice atmosphere and community vibe. Loved the parade with the final runner - very touching! However, the accommodation was extremely disappointing. In the future this accommodation must not be recommended. Also disappointing that there was no acknowledgment of the podium finishers - particularly for the full and half marathon.

user avatar
Mercy Markus
Country flag of NG
Feb 2024
42.195 km

This is my second in-person Ile-Ife Heritage Marathon and my first time running the marathon distance. Some of the best parts about the marathon were; the community of vibrant supporters and runners, location, weather, 90% of the route and the event organization. The cultural dancers were also a fave and it was nice to see runners stopping to dance. The last 10% of the route was through a busy road and I didn't enjoy that as much. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the event and can't wait for next year's edition.

For folks who opt for the full marathon distance, enjoy the rolling hills! 😁

user avatar
MARCEL EZEOKE
Country flag of NG
Feb 2024
42.195 km

Beautiful scenic run within the University campus .

I enjoyed the race . Lovely environment within the Ife campus . The 4Km to the finish line at the Hotel was not so good . It is actually dangerous to run on the express way. Will suggest you start and finish the race within the University grounds .

user avatar
Olabowale Olosunde
Country flag of NG
Feb 2024
42.195 km

I enjoyed nature at it's best, weather so cool and the organizers did a great job. It was my best marathon race ever. At a point, I asked myself, am I still in Nigeria? I love Ile-Ife Heritage Race, the encouragement on the road was overwhelming. Fruits and drinks to keep the body energize and hydrated were taken care of.

It was fun and challenging. Will love to do this again.

user avatar
Adeniji Paul
Feb 2024
10 km

This marathon is a great one to remember despite it being my first ever marathon, am so happy that I took that decision to participate because all the staff were amazing, the security was top notch the resources are excellent In all you're all amazing and I really appreciate your efforts in making this a success and great experience for everyone... can't wait to participate in the next one

I felt it's more of a challenge

user avatar
David Ajilore
Feb 2024
21.098 km

I had a great experience running the Ile-Ife Heritage Marathon. It was my first time though and it wasn't easy but I was determined to finish the race. The Marathon was well organized. I passed routes that I have never seen before. Whenever I came in contact with another runner we motivated each other. I must say this is the best sports event I have participated in years. I will participate in the next one, no doubt!

Tough for me but I finished it. The distance was worth it. 21.1km was more than okay. I'll choose it again next time.

This week’s best deals

Image of Ostrava City Marathon
Up to 68% off
1

Ostrava City Marathon

Ostrava, Czech Republic
14 Sep, 2025 (Sun)
Running
From 5 USD
Image of Corri Trieste
Up to 60% off

Corri Trieste

Trieste, Italy
17 May, 2025 (Sat)
Running
From 11 USD
Image of 15 km de Woluwé-St-Lambert
Up to 50% off
5
Map
Map

15 km de Woluwé-St-Lambert

Woluwe, Belgium
11 May, 2025 (Sun)
Walking, Running, Trail running
From 2 USD
Image of VnExpress Marathon Amazing Ha Long
Up to 50% off
4

VnExpress Marathon Amazing Ha Long

Hạ Long, Vietnam
25 May, 2025 (Sun)
Running
From 17 USD
Image of Narva Energy Run
Up to 50% off

Narva Energy Run

Narva, Estonia
28-29 Jun, 2025 (Sat - Sun)
Running
From 6 USD
Image of Trakai Triathlon
Up to 50% off

Trakai Triathlon

Trakai, Lithuania
29 Jun, 2025 (Sun)
Triathlon
From 27 USD
Image of Ayvalik Half Marathon
Up to 50% off
5

Ayvalik Half Marathon

Ayvalık, Turkey
13 Sep, 2025 (Sat)
Running
From 27 USD
Image of Hyundai Porto Half Marathon
Up to 50% off
4.6

Hyundai Porto Half Marathon

Porto, Portugal
14 Sep, 2025 (Sun)
Running
From 11 USD
Image of Pula Marathon
Up to 50% off
5
Map
Map

Pula Marathon

Pula, Croatia
20 Sep, 2025 (Sat)
Nordic walking, Running
From 11 USD
Image of Pisa Half Marathon
Up to 50% off

Pisa Half Marathon

Pisa, Italy
12 Oct, 2025 (Sun)
Running
From 11 USD
Image of Palermo Marathon and Half Marathon
Up to 50% off
4.5

Palermo Marathon and Half Marathon

Palermo, Italy
16 Nov, 2025 (Sun)
Running
From 21 USD
Image of Sarajevo Half Marathon
Up to 49% off
4.2

Sarajevo Half Marathon

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
21 Sep, 2025 (Sun)
Running
From 28 USD
Image of Banja Luka Marathon
Up to 48% off
2.6

Banja Luka Marathon

Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
28 Sep, 2025 (Sun)
Running
From 18 USD
Image of XI Stellantis&you port de palma triathlon mallorca
Up to 47% off
5

XI Stellantis&you port de palma triathlon mallorca

Palma, Spain
21 Sep, 2025 (Sun)
Triathlon
From 24 USD
Image of Key West Half Marathon
Up to 47% off
5

Key West Half Marathon

Key West, USA
17-18 Jan, 2026 (Sat - Sun)
Running
From 46 USD
Image of Primiero Dolomiti Marathon
Up to 46% off
Map
Map

Primiero Dolomiti Marathon

Fiera di Primiero, Italy
05 Jul, 2025 (Sat)
Trail running
From 16 USD
Image of Lake Maggiore Marathon
Up to 46% off
4.8

Lake Maggiore Marathon

Verbania, Italy
09 Nov, 2025 (Sun)
Running
From 21 USD
Image of Chisinau International Marathon
Up to 43% off
4.7

Chisinau International Marathon

Chișinău, Moldova
28 Sep, 2025 (Sun)
Running
From 25 USD
Image of Cairns Marathon
Up to 43% off

Cairns Marathon

Cairns, Australia
13 Jul, 2025 (Sun)
Running, Walking
From 24 USD
Image of Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival
Up to 43% off
4.5

Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival

Mooloolaba, Australia
03 Aug, 2025 (Sun)
Running, Walking
From 24 USD

Registration just opened

Image of Jungfrau Marathon
Up to 9% off
5
Map
Map

Jungfrau Marathon

Interlaken, Switzerland
05-06 Sep, 2025 (Fri - Sat)
Trail running
From 210 USD
Image of Tawau Marathon
Up to 29% off

Tawau Marathon

Tawau, Malaysia
24 Aug, 2025 (Sun)
Running
From 12 USD
Image of Bali Hope Swimrun
Up to 15% off

Bali Hope Swimrun

Kecamatan Nusa Penida, Indonesia
17 Sep, 2025 (Wed)
Swimrun
From 803 USD
Image of Barbados Open Water Festival

Barbados Open Water Festival

Bridgetown, Barbados
05-09 Nov, 2025 (Wed - Sun)
Swimming
From 21 USD
Image of VnExpress Marathon Amazing Ha Long
Up to 50% off
4

VnExpress Marathon Amazing Ha Long

Hạ Long, Vietnam
25 May, 2025 (Sun)
Running
From 17 USD
Image of Palm Beaches Marathon
Up to 31% off

Palm Beaches Marathon

Palm Beach, USA
13-14 Dec, 2025 (Sat - Sun)
Running
From 41 USD
Image of International Peace Marathon of Kigali
4

International Peace Marathon of Kigali

Kigali, Rwanda
08 Jun, 2025 (Sun)
Running
From 31 USD
Image of Uganda Wildlife Marathon
4

Uganda Wildlife Marathon

Lira, Uganda
02 Mar, 2025 (Sun)
Running
From 6 USD
Image of Almería Half Marathon
Map
Map

Almería Half Marathon

Almeria, Spain
06 Apr, 2025 (Sun)
Running
From 23 USD
Image of Alicante – Santa Pola, The Greatest Mediterranean Race 21k
Up to 21% off
5

Alicante – Santa Pola, The Greatest Mediterranean Race 21k

Alicante, Spain
09 Nov, 2025 (Sun)
Running
From 27 USD
Image of The One in the Park - Richmond - Summer

The One in the Park - Richmond - Summer

Greater London, United Kingdom
01 Jun, 2025 (Sun)
Trail running
From 31 USD
Image of Ra Rueng Run
Up to 22% off

Ra Rueng Run

Tambon Sam Roi Yot, Thailand
01 Jun, 2025 (Sun)
Running
From 18 USD
Image of Ultra Skyrunning Madeira

Ultra Skyrunning Madeira

Santana, Portugal
13-14 Jun, 2025 (Fri - Sat)
Trail running
From 16 USD
Image of Ultra Trail Cao Bang
Up to 35% off

Ultra Trail Cao Bang

Cao Bằng, Vietnam
28-30 Nov, 2025 (Fri - Sun)
Trail running
From 24 USD
Image of The One in the Park - Richmond - Winter

The One in the Park - Richmond - Winter

Greater London, United Kingdom
30 Nov, 2025 (Sun)
Running
From 31 USD
Image of 10 km Esterel Cote d'Azur

10 km Esterel Cote d'Azur

Fréjus, France
14 Jun, 2025 (Sat)
Running
From 25 USD
Image of The Big Pilgrimage
Map
Map

The Big Pilgrimage

Southampton, United Kingdom
17 Aug, 2025 (Sun)
Running
From 48 USD
Image of Jurajski Festiwal Biegowy
Up to 41% off

Jurajski Festiwal Biegowy

Podlesice, Poland
19-20 Sep, 2025 (Fri - Sat)
Trail running
From 23 USD
Image of Abersoch Half Marathon

Abersoch Half Marathon

Abersoch, United Kingdom
20 Sep, 2025 (Sat)
Trail running
From 11 USD
Image of Neon Run Samui

Neon Run Samui

Thailand, Thailand
03 May, 2025 (Sat)
Running
From 18 USD

Want global inspiration and exclusive offers?

Join thousands of others and subscribe to the Ahotu newsletter!
By subscribing, you agree to Ahotu's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Our partners

Partner logo
Partner logo
Partner logo
Sports

The price shown is converted as an approximate cost in your selected currency. Exchange rates may change while completing your purchase. Always check with your issuing bank for an exact exchange rate.

© Ahotu is a World's Sports Group owned service and brand. All rights reserved.

Version: 10.3.1