All roads will lead to Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, on Saturday, November 9, as thousands of women gear up for the 9th edition of the Lagos Women Run (LWR), an event that has become one of the most anticipated on Nigeria’s sports and empowerment calendar.
This year’s edition, themed “More Than a Run,” will once again combine fitness, empowerment and social impact in a unique celebration of womanhood. Beyond the 10-kilometre race, the organisers have lined up a week-long women’s empowerment programme that began on November 1.
More than 500 women are expected to benefit from vocational training sessions in areas such as cake-making, food packaging and basic painting — all aimed at equipping them with practical skills to boost their income and economic independence.
According to the Coordinator, Ms. Tayo Popoola, the Lagos Women Run has evolved from a simple fitness event into a transformative movement.
She explained that the initiative is closely aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Quality Education and Gender Equality. Popoola said the organisers are determined to ensure that every edition makes a lasting impact by empowering women and supporting communities.
As part of its outreach this year, the LWR team has carried out community projects such as donating whiteboards and school uniforms to under-resourced schools, including Salvation Primary School, Oko Oba, which serves children with special needs in the Ebute Metta lepers and blind colony.
The race is scheduled to flag off at 7:00 a.m. from Onikan/Tafawa Balewa Square, moving through Ikoyi and Victoria Island before finishing at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium.
Thousands of runners and spectators are expected to turn out, with the elite open category offering a top prize of ₦1.5 million.
A distinguished list of ambassadors has been unveiled for this year’s edition, including Chief (Mrs.) Bintu Fatima Omosefe Tinubu, Ms. Emem Usoro of the Central Bank of Nigeria, marketing executive Folake Ani-Mumuney, theatre producer Bolanle Austen-Peters, Dr. Stella Okoli of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, SNEPCo Managing Director Elohor Aiboni, young model and endurance walker Ololade Ayelabola, and healthcare entrepreneur Dr. Awele Elumelu.
These women embody leadership, resilience and the spirit of empowerment that the Run represents.
The organisers have also provided useful health and nutrition guidance to help participants prepare for race day. The recommendations include proper hydration, gradual training, adequate rest and balanced nutrition, ensuring that runners stay strong and safe throughout the event.
Medical personnel and race marshals will be on standby to provide full support.
Over the years, the Lagos Women Run has produced several champions, including two-time winner Joy Abiye and Kenya’s Cheptoeck Careen, who claimed victory in 2019.
The event has reached more than one million participants across its previous editions, empowered hundreds of vendors, and built a growing network of corporate sponsors and volunteers.
Supported by the Lagos State Sports Commission, the Lagos State Athletics Association and corporate partners such as Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, the 2024 edition promises to be even bigger.
Organisers have hinted that preparations are already underway for a landmark 10th anniversary in 2025.
Once again, the Lagos Women Run is set to prove that it is truly “more than a run”, a movement that celebrates fitness, empowerment and the unstoppable strength of women.
To register, visit – WWW.LAGOSWOMENRUN.COM