Sports
Winner Of Lagos Women Run Race To Get N1m
The elite winner at the “2020 Lagos Women Run” scheduled for Saturday in Lagos will take home a cash prize of N1 million, an official said yesterday.
Tayo Popoola, the General Coordinator of “Lagos Women Run” race, told newsmen at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos that all arrangements had been concluded for a hitch-free event.
She however acknowledged that the contributions of the Lagos State government made it possible for the race to hold, especially in the face of very difficult times in the country.
“We have made all arrangements to ensure a safe race on Saturday, for both the virtual and elite races.
“It’s the first time in Nigeria and indeed in Africa. So, we want to make positive history. That is why we have trained our Local Organising Committee (LOC) members to ensure all due diligence.
“All COVID-19 protocols will be strictly observed and implemented, as the entire world is watching our progress on the virtual race,” Popoola said.
She also said the LOC has ensured that all virtual runners in the Open category understand the usage of the App which would monitor their races as they run anywhere in the country.
“There will be a central leaderboard to monitor the progress of the virtual runners and automatically pick the top winners.
“The virtual category has the Open and the Veteran categories as they run with different colours of numbers.
“The winners will also go home with cash prizes after a thorough check of the App,” the race general coordinator said.
Speaking also, the Technical Director of “Lagos Women Run”, Yusuf Ali, said the elite runners would be closely monitored.
He said this would help them to adhere to all the regulations especially, as it was done at the London Marathon recently.
“It’s the first time this will be happening in Africa and we are determined to make positive history.
”We are going to ensure that all the elite runners wear their face mask at the starting point at the Tafawa Balewa Square, as the entire athletics world will be watching.
“The runners will be given three face mask each, to wear the first one in the first 400 metres to 600 metres of the race and dispose, while the second face mask is worn at the 4-km mark, while the third one is worn from the 7-km mark to the finish line.
“All the technical officials and medical staff at the finish line must also wear their face masks.
“It’s the first time this will be happening in Africa and we are determined to make positive history,” Ali said.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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