The organisers of the Lagos Women Run have set a target of over 10,000 runners for the race’s 9th edition, scheduled for November 9, 2024.
At a press conference to announce the event, race convener Tayo Popoola explained that the theme for 2024, “Run with a Difference,” was chosen to address current challenges faced by women.
“Apart from the race, there is going to be an empowerment program for as many that register for the race, as it goes beyond the run but helping the women to greater heights in society,” she said.
Popoola revealed that over 7,000 women have already registered, and most of the printed registration forms have been distributed.
The race will start from Lagos City Mall, pass through TBS, Falomo Bridge, Awolowo Road, and finish at Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
The Lagos State government, through the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), has pledged more support for the Lagos Women Run. LSSC Director General Lekan Fatodu expressed the commission’s alignment with the race’s goals.
“There is no powerful tool of sensitization for us more than what we are doing now. And I must commend everybody for being partners in progress, for being very supportive of this action,” he said.
“I can assure that there is something bigger that the LSSC is going to add to this competition to make it more better.”
Fatodu also highlighted the race’s alignment with the sustainable development goals, noting that it reflects the state’s commitment to inclusive growth.
Chairman of the Lagos State Athletics Association, Solomon Alao, added that the success of the Lagos Women Run is a “collective responsibility of all the stakeholders.”
He praised the organizers’ efforts, stating that “the drive towards ensuring that the women in the society were given the right priority they deserved as been championed by the organizers of the run was a worthy venture.”