- Sowore, Agunloye, others run for fitness in Ondo
No fewer than 5,000 runners and fitness enthusiasts from across Nigeria and the diaspora have participated in the 2nd edition of the Prince Adewole Adebayo Christmas Marathon held yesterday in Ondo City, Ondo State.
The marathon, organised by Prince Adewole Adebayo and his wife, Queen Lillian Adebayo, featured a Health Walk and followed a scenic 15-kilometre route through major landmarks in the ancient city, including markets, historic sites and residential neighbourhoods.
At the end of the race, 17-year-old Gang James Boyi emerged winner in the men’s category, followed by Francis James (18) and Musa Bala (19), all from Plateau State.
In the women’s category, Blessing Solomon Shambor (23), also from Plateau State, clinched first place, while Agofure Charity (27) from Ondo State came second and Akanbi Aderonke (21) from Ogun State finished third.
The winner received N2 million, the runner-up N1 million, while the third-place finisher got N500,000. Other participants received N100,000 each.
Speaking at the event, Prince Adebayo, a former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in the 2023 general election, said the marathon was created to give people purpose, build stamina, and foster collective discipline.
He explained that the initiative goes beyond running, noting his broader interest in sports development, including football, basketball, boxing, wrestling, and swimming.
“A marathon is a project. You have to prepare for it, compete with others, and endure. These are the same qualities needed to succeed individually and collectively as a country, and just as individuals are running their races, countries are also running their races. Development itself is a marathon,” Adebayo stated.
“Today is for marathon. Other days are for other sports. What we want is to instil sportsmanship – discipline, purpose, and endurance. A country of sports people will be an active country. Sports is the foundation of good health, strong character, and even national strength,”
According to him, encouraging young people to train consistently for long-term goals, such as preparing for a marathon a year ahead, helps to build character, resilience, and a sense of purpose.
Prince Adebayo also highlighted Ondo City’s favourable topography for long-distance running, noting that its elevation compares well with many renowned marathon regions globally.
He said plans are underway to grow the marathon into an internationally recognised event.
“The goal is to put it firmly on the calendar so people can plan for it every year. Consistency is key. This year, the organisers improved on the route mapping, distance, and certification.
“Over time, we want it to become an internationally acclaimed marathon, just like those in other countries,” he said.
The SDP presidential candidate added that marathon running attracts professionals from all walks of life – including doctors, lawyers and business leaders.
He further noted that special attention is being given to youth participation, as younger runners often require more support and encouragement.
“Marathon running is not for beginners. It is for experienced and determined runners. You don’t start your running career with a marathon, but it is a sport that rewards discipline, focus, and endurance,” Adebayo said.
Earlier, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Comrade Omoyele Sowore, lauded Prince and Queen Lillian Adebayo for introducing the initiative, describing it as an annual, inclusive fitness and community-building event.
Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election, urged governments at all levels to embrace sporting activities, particularly marathon races, as tools for national unity.
“We have had a bigger and better road race in Ondo. Let me thank Prince and Queen Lillian for introducing the health walk today. And I’m the only person who participated in both events, both the head walk and the race.
“If Nigeria could do this in 774 local governments, there would probably not be room for Boko Haram because everybody will be running marathons.
“They won’t have time to become terrorists but you know, Nigerians don’t even have leaders that think the way they should think, and that is what all of us on this podium hope to change.
“By the time we are doing this race next year, in 2026 December, we’ll be just a few weeks to the general election, and you’ll feel it here,” Sowore added.
Also speaking, former Minister of Power and Steel and former Minister of State for Defence (Navy), Dr Olu Agunloye, who served as National Commissioner of the Planning Committee, commended the organisers for sustaining an initiative that blends health, unity and youth empowerment.
