Nigeria’s thriving outdoor sports scene is gearing up for another adrenaline-charged weekend as the Chaingang MTB Festival returns for its 4th edition on Saturday, November 22, 2025. The event will take athletes deep into the rugged, sweeping hills of Abuja for a full day of intense competition and cultural celebration.

In a statement issued on Monday, organisers said this year’s theme — “Be Ya Nu Abuja Pe” — reflects the festival’s blend of endurance racing, cultural expression, and raw outdoor adventure.

Describing the event as a “full day of competition, culture and community,” the organisers said all routes have been meticulously mapped, featuring safety signage, medical support stations, and marshals positioned at critical technical points.

High-Stakes MTB and Trail Running Races

According to the statement, the 42km men’s mountain bike race and 35km women’s race will push riders through demanding terrain marked by “steep singletrack, rocky ridgelines and fast, dusty descents.” Riders should also anticipate “punchy climbs that test legs and grit” and “switchbacks that demand focus.”

For runners, a 20km trail run will weave through hard-packed trails, scree patches, and shaded gullies, offering both challenge and scenic reward. Meanwhile, a 6km day hike will take participants to the famous Mpape Crushed Rocks.

VIPs and children will also join the action in short-distance sprint events at Junior Secondary School Mpape, which serves as the official take-off and finish point for all races.

More Than a Race: A Cultural Street Carnival

Beyond the tough courses, the Chaingang MTB Festival will transform the area into a vibrant cultural street carnival. Attendees can expect cultural dances, live music, local vendors, community showcases, and refreshments for both spectators and competitors.

Organisers described Abuja’s terrain as a playground of “stony outcrops, gravel-strewn tracks, red-dust climbs and open hilltops delivering dramatic skyline views.” They added that natural obstacles and seasonal washouts would make the festival “thrilling yet demanding.”

Safety, Registration, and Community Impact

All participants must pre-register and attend mandatory safety briefings. Helmets and other protective equipment are compulsory for bikers, while runners and hikers are advised to bring hydration and sun protection. Medical teams and rescue marshals will be stationed across all trails to ensure participants’ safety.

The organisers reaffirmed the festival’s commitment to promoting active outdoor lifestyles, trail stewardship, and road safety awareness among cyclists and trail users.

They also expressed appreciation to volunteers, partners, and sponsors whose support has made route upgrades, signage, and medical coverage possible. Sponsors will be recognised across signage, maps, and official event communications.