Abuja City Half Marathon Organisers Mislead Public with Non-Existent Bronze Label Claim

The organisers of the Premium Trust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon have announced that the race has been awarded a ‘Bronze Label’ status by World Athletics.

This claim, however, is misleading and factually incorrect.

World Athletics no longer recognises Bronze, Silver, or Gold Labels as entry-level categories. Since 2020, the governing body streamlined its road race recognition system to four tiers: World Athletics Label, World Athletics Elite Label, World Athletics Gold Label, and World Athletics Platinum Label.

The ‘Bronze Label’ designation has been phased out and does not exist in the current framework.

In reality, the Abuja City International Half Marathon has only just been granted a World Athletics Label this year which is the entry point for road races globally.

This status is essentially a baseline recognition, requiring compliance with minimum organisational and technical standards but without strict enforcement of higher-level conditions.

It is therefore confusing and misleading for organisers to claim that the race, in only its second edition, has been elevated to a non-existent Bronze Label status.

A World Athletics Label denotes that the elite component of the competition applies the full Competition and Technical Rules. It also signals superior standards in event organisation, safety, runner experience, support from public authorities, and a financial commitment to anti-doping.

Higher categories viz Elite, Gold, and Platinum, indicate the presence of world class elite competition and stricter compliance.

If World Athletics were to elevate the Abuja race in future, it would move from World Athletics Label to World Athletics Elite Label, not to a Bronze Label.

The organisers’ claim therefore undermines credibility and risks confusing athletes, sponsors, and the public about the true standing of the event.

While the prize money announced for winners and Nigerian athletes is commendable, the attempt to dress up the race with a non-existent status raises questions about transparency and professionalism.

For a race that is only in its second edition, organisers should focus on meeting the real criteria set by World Athletics rather than misleading stakeholders with outdated or fabricated designations.