After the success of the fourth edition, which welcomed participants from 26 nationalities and several thousand runners, the city of Cotonou is preparing to host the fifth edition of the Cotonou International “Be the Best” Marathon.
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All major cities in the world are recognized for their marathons, and for the past few years, Cotonou has been distinguished by its own event: the Cotonou International “Be the Best” Marathon. This now unmissable sporting event, celebrating the queen distance of athletics as well as health, wellness, arts, and Beninese culture, will take place on February 22, 2026, with its unique Marathon Village running from February 20 to 22, 2026.
🎯 The Be the Best Marathon of Cotonou: A Cosmopolitan and Multicultural Gathering
This new edition, spread over three days, promises an even more thrilling experience, blending the celebration of athletics, women as amazons of development, health, and the environment through memorable sporting and cultural moments.
The event features several highlights:
👉 The Marathon Village, offering shows that spotlight Beninese artists, giving international visitors a first-hand discovery of Beninese culture. It will also include game spaces recreating the spirit of traditional villages, as well as stands to showcase local crafts and gastronomy.
👉 The Maratheens, an original race putting Cotonou’s middle schools in competition to encourage young people (ages 11 to 13) to run for better health and renewed well-being. This playful and innovative competition will bring together 10 students (5 girls and 5 boys) from each school, around the Place de l’Amazone.
👉 The “Most Beautiful Voice of Cotonou” competition, revealing young talents passionate about singing and the stage.
👉 The Marathon itself and its many challenges (amazons, embassies, companies, sports clubs, districts), individual races (42.195 km, 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km), the Handi (tricycle) race, and walking events (21 km, 10 km, and 5 km), all taking place on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
Participants and visitors will enjoy unique entertainment, spectacular attractions such as the Zangbéto, and open-air concerts by Beninese artists. This exceptional environment—blending sports, health, and environmental awareness—offers a remarkable occasion for cultural and sporting talent to shine in perfect harmony.
🎯 The Be the Best Marathon of Cotonou: Run and Walk in a World of Splendor
Benin, the birthplace of Vodun, is also a land of athletics, where many middle- and long-distance runners are revealed with each edition of the Cotonou International “Be the Best” Marathon. This new edition once again welcomes athlete-tourists from several continents who, beyond competing, will immerse themselves in Benin’s culture, rituals, and rhythms—the land of amazons and Vodun par excellence.
They will also have the opportunity to discover tourist sites, the new face of Cotonou, and the longest graffiti wall in Africa. Through this unique event in Cotonou, Benin opens itself more and more to the world.
🎯 Marathon and Marathon Village: A Nest of Opportunities for Partners
The attractions of this event represent a nest of opportunities for any partner wishing, at the start of 2026, to join one of the largest popular events in Benin’s biggest city.
Increase your visibility and showcase your social responsibility and community engagement by contacting the organizing committee.
By becoming a partner, you are not only supporting a sporting event, but you are also contributing to the promotion of Cotonou and Benin.
The Cotonou International “Be the Best” Marathon goes beyond sport—it is a movement that promotes essential values such as solidarity, inclusion, and good health, both for you and your staff.
✅ Join us and together, let’s make this marathon an unforgettable celebration of sports, health, women, the environment, and Beninese culture!
🎯 About the Cotonou International “Be the Best” Marathon
The Cotonou International “Be the Best” Marathon is now the largest international athletics event in Benin, attracting thousands of running and walking enthusiasts each year, with participants from over 20 different nationalities. It is the result of a partnership between the NGO Be the Best, the City of Cotonou, the company BtB, and the Beninese Athletics Federation.
It celebrates sport in general and athletics in particular, with a focus on health and well-being through running and walking. The Marathon Village highlights Beninese arts and culture. This annual event, held in Benin’s largest economic city, attracts visitors and athlete-tourists from all over the world, reinforcing Benin’s reputation as a rising tourist destination.
📲 More information on our social media: @bethebest (Facebook, TikTok, YouTube) and on our website: www.marathons.ongbethebest.org
đź“Ś Press Contact:
For any further information, please contact:
Mr. GAYET
📧 Email: marathon@ongbethebest.org
đź“ž Phone: +229 01 90 90 90 88