Homegirl Alabi wins Lagos Women Run in style

A Lagos-based runner, Aminat Alabi, has made history as the first Lagos-based athlete to win the Lagos Women Run in its 10th anniversary edition.
Alabi, who grew up in a military barracks in Lagos, finished the race in 39 minutes and 25 seconds.
The competition had long been dominated by long-distance runners from northern Nigeria, particularly those from Plateau State.
Joy Abiye of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had previously won the race three times.
For the 2025 edition, 19-year-old Vivian Obadiah from Plateau State came second in 39 minutes, 55 seconds, while veteran runner, Elizabeth Bawa, also from Plateau State, placed third in 40 minutes, 41 seconds.

Alabi said she never expected to win, given the stiff competition from runners from the northern part of the country who had dominated the race in previous years.
She said: “First of all, I want to thank Almighty God for giving me this day because I was so afraid. I didn’t believe I was going to win.
“I was scared of competing against marathoners from the north, but I stayed consistent in training.
“I only wished to finish among the first three, thinking I couldn’t match those already well-known in the race.”
Alabi credited her coach for pushing her to success.
Her words: “My coach played a vital role in my achievement.
“He gave me advice and kept assuring me I’d finish among the top three.
“I trained even at 2am sometimes, and during the day too.
“It was tough achieving this feat, given my background.
“Throughout my journey, I faced many challenges, especially raising my two-year-old son, who also motivated me to succeed.
“The routine to reach this point has been hard, but I can say the sacrifice has been worth it all.”
The top three runners of the 10th edition received N2m, N1.5m and N1m respectively.