Lagos Women Run Marks 10 Years with 8,000 Participants and Empowerment Programme

Kehinde Adeleye
More than 8,000 runners have registered to participate in the 10th edition of the Lagos Women Run, a 10-kilometre race exclusively for women, scheduled to take place on November 8.
The race will begin at Tafawa Balewa Square and end at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena in Onikan.
Organisers announced the figure during a press conference held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Wednesday, confirming that the 2025 edition will feature new initiatives designed to empower and inspire women.
Themed “One Run, A Thousand Opportunities,” this year’s event will be preceded by a four-day empowerment programme from November 3 to 6. The programme aims to equip women with practical skills, knowledge, and resources to support personal and professional growth.
The Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, described the Lagos Women Run as a platform that celebrates the strength, resilience, and limitless potential of women, especially as the event marks its 10th anniversary.
“This year’s theme, ‘One Run, A Thousand Opportunities,’ is both symbolic and timely. It reminds us that a single act of running can open countless doors for self-discovery, inclusion, and collective progress among women in our society,” Fatodu said.
He added that over the years, the Lagos Women Run has grown from a small fitness initiative into one of Nigeria’s most recognisable and unifying sporting events for women.
The Coordinator of the Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, noted that the milestone edition highlights the event’s sustainability, which she attributed to consistent support from the Lagos State Government.
“This 10th edition signifies growth and resilience. It is a celebration of women and their achievements across different sectors,” Popoola said.
Zimbabwean-American artist and author U-meleni Mhlaba-Adebo, who is returning as the event ambassador for the second consecutive year, will also participate in the race.
“My first experience in Lagos and running the race last year as a Zimbabwean married to a Yoruba man was an incredible opportunity to connect with the city,” she shared.
The organisers expressed optimism that this year’s race will further promote fitness, empowerment, and unity among women from diverse backgrounds across Nigeria and beyond.