Ile-Ife Heritage Marathon
Running
10 km, 21.097 km, 42.195 km
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
You have 11 weeks to prepare
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.
Reviews
The weather was an highlight, so cool and clean. Followed by the early start and then the massage at the end was so relieving.
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
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.
Great route on Obafemi Awolowo University campus, cheerful crowd, more than enough to replenish after the marathon and good medical teams
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
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 😭🥳
We enjoyed ourselves.
We shall come next year; keep us informed please.
Excellent route
Sweet route with decent accommodation, and superb organizing. Looking forward to the next installment
Grueling but worth it
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.
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.
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! 😁
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 .
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.
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
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.
Official links
Find hotels near Ile-Ife Heritage Marathon
Closest events
Our partners
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: 9.25.7