How we plan to reawaken the Garden City

A group which says Port Harcourt has been pressed and suppressed for over 10 years has unfolded plans to reawaken the Garden City.

This time, they plan to organize an international marathon on November 14, 2026, that promises to attract over 10,000 runners from across Africa.

Goodluck Azunwena, convener of the maiden edition of the Port Harcourt International Marathon Race 2026, told a press conference on Monday that the race is to revive the Garden City Marathon, saying it is to bring the world to Port Harcourt instead of striving to take Port Harcourt to the world.

He mentioned 21km (or 42km) race taking through the most attractive and significant sections of the garden City, starting from Polo Field in the New GRA through Water Lines, Garrison, CFC, Old GRA, Eastern By-Pass, Amadi-Ama, Peter Odili Road, Elekahia route, to GRA and back to Polo Club.

Azunwena was supported at the table by many doctors, a professor, a monarch, etc, including Ama Ikuru, Clement Mgbo-Awaji, Geraldine Ekpo, Diri Dikubijiri, Ugo Amala, and Nkwelem Azunwena (Eze Chuku Olunda (VI) Orochiri, Rebisi).

In a statement signed by the convener, the group said they had pursued actions behind the scene for some time, collaborating, supposing, advising and championing initiatives that celebrate the resilience, creativity, culture, enterprise, and limitless potential of Port Harcourt.

“We have always believed that true impact is measured not by how loudly you speak,

but by the legacy you help build.”

He stated: “As we celebrate a decade of purpose, we are proud to officially reopen this chapter of our journey, driven by renewed energy and an even bigger vision, beginning with the Port Harcourt International Marathon, a world-class event that represents far more

than a race. It is a platform for unity, tourism, economic growth, healthy living, youth

empowerment, and global visibility.”

He said the state government is interested while more government involvement is needed. “So, all the government bodies are abreast with what we are doing; but then, the more the merrier. So, we’ll keep calling for much more. The government could be the Federal Government, who knows?”

He admitted there were challenges but that they were being addressed. “We’ve always had modalities in place to mitigate those potential challenges. Both security, healthcare, and all the rest. So, yes, we’ve had challenges, but we have a very, very stable, experienced, and knowledgeable team to overcome whatever challenges we’re confronted with.”

The conveners talked of huge economic openings starting from hotels that would be overbooked. “We are bringing together sports, culture, sustainability, education, economic empowerment, environmental advocacy, and youth development into one umbrella, this platform. It’s beyond just a race, because we have activities that run pre-race, the race day, and then post-race.”

It is expected to be about creativity, culture, enterprise. “Through it, we invite the world to experience the true spirit of Port Harcourt. The next decade will be bolder, more visible, and more impactful.”