Fatimah Otunsanya
One thousand women are set to take part in the 2026 Women Run today in Abeokuta, as organisers prepare for another landmark edition of the fitness initiative aimed at promoting health and active living.
The race is expected to draw participants from across the region, with organisers confirming that over 1,000 women have already registered for the 5km event.
Kit distribution has been ongoing across the state, with more than 500 runners having collected their materials as of Friday, while the process continues ahead of race day.
Speaking at a press conference held at the MKO Abiola Sport Arena, the Managing Director of Brussels Sport Management Limited, Yetunde Johnson, expressed appreciation to partners and stakeholders for their continued support.
She reiterated the importance of health awareness and commended all contributors to the initiative.
“Your health is wealth, and I want to say a big thank you to Ogun State, the National Sports Commission and every sponsor supporting this initiative,” she said.
“This year, we are expecting so much more.”
The race will commence at Sapon, moving through Isale Igbeyin, the Central Bank of Nigeria area, the Guaranty Trust Bank corridor, across Kuto Bridge and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company bridge, before finishing inside the stadium.
Prize money of N500,000, N300,000 and N200,000 has been earmarked for the first, second and third-placed finishers respectively.
Project consultant Oweifie Ebidowei noted that the event, now in its fourth edition, continues to grow in scale and impact, with increasing participation and organisation each year. He added that preparations are in place to ensure a smooth and timely start, with Abeokuta already building anticipation for the event.
“We are getting better with every edition. The race will start exactly 8am at Sapon, and medals will be given to runners who meet the required time. Abeokuta is already agog for tomorrow’s event,” he said.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Wasiu Isiaka, represented by the Director of the Ogun State Sports Ministry, Seyi Sonde, commended corporate organisations for their contributions, stressing the importance of collaboration in sports development.
“Government alone cannot do it. That is why we encourage corporate bodies to collaborate so that talents across the state can be discovered and nurtured,” he said.
Organisers have also assured participants of adequate water stations, volunteers along the route and entertainment at the finish area, as they aim to deliver a memorable experience for all involved.
