For the first time in the 10-year history of the Lagos Women Run, a Lagos-based athlete has clinched the top prize.
Aminat Alabi, who grew up in a military barracks in Lagos, defied all odds to emerge winner of the 2025 edition, completing the 10km race in 39 minutes and 25 seconds.
The annual run, which had been dominated for years by long-distance runners from northern Nigeria, especially from Plateau State, witnessed a major shift this year as Alabi broke that streak in stunning fashion.
Speaking after her victory, the emotional Alabi said she never imagined finishing first given the stiff competition from the more established northern athletes.
Veteran Winners
“First of all, I want to thank Almighty God for giving me this day because I was so afraid,” she said. “I didn’t believe I was going to win. I only wished to finish among the first three because I was scared of competing against marathoners from the north.”
Alabi credited her coach for motivating her through tough training sessions and long nights.
“My coach played a vital role in my success. He kept assuring me I’d finish among the top three. I trained even at 2 a.m. sometimes, balancing that with raising my two-year-old son. It wasn’t easy, but the sacrifice was worth it.”
In the 2025 race, 19-year-old Vivian Obadiah from Plateau State finished second with a time of 39 minutes, 55 seconds, while veteran runner Elizabeth Bawa, also from Plateau, came third in 40 minutes, 41 seconds.
The Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, hailed the organisers for a decade of consistency and their role in developing women’s athletics.
“It’s been a remarkable journey — a decade of experiences, exploits, and opportunities,” Fatodu said. “Alabi’s victory reflects the bright sporting future of Lagos State. It shows the potential that lies ahead for our athletes.”
He added that the Lagos Women Run aligns with the state’s broader vision of discovering young sporting talents, similar to its success at the National Youth Games where a 14-year-old Lagos boy won the 200m sprint.
The Coordinator of the Lagos Women Run, Temitope Popoola, described the event as more than just a race, but a platform that empowers women.
“The run promotes well-being, encourages networking, and supports economic and social growth,” Popoola said. “We remind women that a healthy woman builds healthy families and a healthy nation.”
The winners of the 10th edition received ₦2 million, ₦1.5 million, and ₦1 million respectively.
