With 14 days to go until the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, excitement is rising across the Federal Capital Territory as Abuja prepares to host thousands of runners on December 6, 2025.
As final touches are being put in place across technical, security, medical, and logistics operations, one question is dominating conversations within the running community: Will Emmanuel Naibet and Ruth Jebet return to replicate their historic victories?
In the inaugural Abuja International Marathon staged in 2023, Kenyan star Emmanuel Naibet delivered an unforgettable performance, winning the men’s race in 2:13:45, the fastest time recorded in a maiden marathon on Nigerian soil.
Bahrain’s Ruth Jebet, running her first-ever full marathon, stormed to victory in 2:36:08 and later expressed her desire to return and defend her title in the city that welcomed her breakthrough run.
As the countdown begins, Abuja is once again buzzing with anticipation. While this year’s event is a half marathon, fans and analysts alike are wondering whether the two champions will return — and if they do, whether they can dominate once more. Naibet’s history of success on Nigerian terrain, combined with Jebet’s explosive debut and promise to return, make them compelling figures as attention shifts toward race day.
Organizers, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML), have assured that preparations are “fully on track,” with route checks, volunteer mobilization, timing systems, and athlete services already nearing completion.
This year’s edition is expected to attract a deeper, more competitive pool of elite runners from across Africa, increasing the level of suspense around the participation and potential repeat success — of Naibet and Jebet.
Abuja is ready. The runners are ready. The spectators are waiting.
And with two weeks to go, the big question remains: If Naibet and Jebet return, can they do it again?
