Port Harcourt is preparing to host over 10,000 runners and officials from across Africa when the Port Harcourt International Marathon takes place on November 14, 2026. Organisers say the event will help put the city on the global map for sports, tourism and business while creating fresh opportunities for young people and local businesses.
Convener Goodluck Azunwena shared the update during a briefing in Port Harcourt, explaining that the marathon goes beyond sport. He described it as a project meant to promote unity, showcase the city’s culture and drive economic activity. Azunwena noted that the decision to relaunch public activities after ten years reflects a renewed push to project Port Harcourt positively.
He recalled that the Port Harcourt To The World initiative has spent the past decade supporting different projects quietly. Although its presence on social media reduced at some point, the work never stopped. The group has continued to back initiatives that highlight the resilience, creativity and potential of the city, often without seeking the spotlight.
Azunwena stressed that success has always been measured by real impact rather than public attention. Every partnership and empowerment effort, he said, has been guided by the goal of building a city that residents can be proud of and that visitors admire. The upcoming marathon is expected to attract elite and amateur athletes, corporate bodies and tourists, further strengthening Rivers State’s position as a venue for major international events.
