Bonny Island Marathon 2025 to Hold Saturday, December 20, 2025: A New Era of Access, Tourism, and Sport
Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria – December 16, 2025 — The Local Organizing Committee of the Bonny Island Marathon (BIM) has confirmed full readiness to host the 8th edition of the Bonny Island Marathon this Saturday, December 20, 2025, as the Island prepares to welcome over 5,000 runners, tourists, and sports enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond.
This year’s edition, themed “Miles2Gr8ness,” marks a defining moment in the history of the marathon and the Bonny Kingdom at large. With a ₦5 million prize pool and gifts, diverse race categories; including Elite, Teens, Indigenous, Leisure, and Aged/Elderly (male and female). The marathon continues to stand out as one of Nigeria’s most inclusive and community-driven sports tourism events.
A major highlight for the 2025 edition is the recent soft opening of the Bonny–Bodo Road by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, allowing safer and easier access to Bonny Island for the yuletide season. The temporary opening for light vehicles has significantly reduced the long-standing reliance on river transport, unlocking new possibilities for tourism, logistics, and economic participation.
The improved access positions Bonny Island as an emerging destination for sports tourism, cultural experiences, and leisure travel, aligning perfectly with the marathon’s long-term vision.
Speaking on preparations, Boma Halliday, Race Director of the Bonny Island Marathon, emphasized participant welfare and operational readiness:
“Our focus this year has been on planning with precision—ensuring safety, smooth coordination, medical readiness, and a memorable experience for every runner and visitor. From route mapping and security collaboration to fitness screening and volunteer mobilization, we are fully prepared. The Bonny Island Marathon is not just a race; it’s an experience rooted in care, community, and excellence.”
Also speaking on the significance of the moment, Shedrack Owen, Marketing and Communications Business Partner to the marathon, highlighted the broader narrative and brand journey:
“The Bonny Island Marathon tells a powerful story of resilience, place-making, and community pride. With the opening of the Bonny–Bodo Road, this year’s marathon symbolizes access meeting ambition. BIM has grown into a credible national platform that blends sport, culture, wellness, and tourism, and 2025 represents a new chapter in positioning Bonny Island on the global map.”
Beyond race day, the 2025 program includes pre-event fitness tests, community engagements, a walkathon, health and wellness activations, and a post-race fiesta, reinforcing the marathon’s role as a catalyst for social and economic activity within the Bonny Kingdom.
As thousands converge on the Island this weekend, the Bonny Island Marathon once again demonstrates how sport can unify communities, inspire healthy living, and unlock sustainable tourism opportunities.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
Start Time: 7:00 AM
Prize Pool: ₦5 Million (cash prizes and gifts)
Categories: Elite, Teens, Indigenous, Leisure, Aged/Elderly (Male & Female)
For more information, visit www.bonnyislandmarathon.com or follow @BonnyIslandMarathon onacross social media platforms.
Media Contact:
Email: info@bonnyislandmarathon.com.ng
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