The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has promised to continue supporting and encouraging mass participation in the annual Lagos Women Run road race, highlighting its significant positive impact on public health and well-being.
Its Director-General, Lekan Fatodu gave the assurance at a news briefing held at the Commission’s office at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, to announce the 11th edition of the competition, scheduled for November 14, 2026.
Fatodu commended the consistency, commitment, and dedication of the event’s convener, Ms. Tayo Popoola, over the past decade in staging a competition whose importance to the lives of the people cannot be overstated.
He noted that the theme for the 2026 edition, “One City, One Stride, Let’s Run Together”, aligns with the Lagos agenda of moving forward collectively to achieve common development goals.
Beyond being an athletics event, the 10km road race event also includes women’s advocacy and education in some areas of life that involve rights and responsibilities as a citizen of the state and the provision of empowerment for the participating women.
Speaking at the conference, convener Tayo Popoola promised that the 2026 edition would be bigger and better than previous years.
She emphasised that the embedded empowerment and networking programmes set the event apart from other road races by creating economic opportunities and fostering personal growth among participants.
Popoola expressed gratitude to supporting partners, corporate sponsors, and the media.
She particularly noted the Lagos State Government support with its machinery has helped the organisers to bring the programme to the participants at no cost to them.
She also revealed that online registration has already surpassed the 10,000 mark, reflecting the growing success of the initiative and its integration into the lifestyle of Lagos residents.
The coordinator of the empowerment programme, Sidikat Folami (Executive Director of the Mateen Lander Impact Foundation), shared that this year’s scheme focuses on financial inclusion and economic self-sufficiency.
According to Folami, a pre-race exhibition and workshop will take place from Tuesday, November 10 to Thursday, November 12, 2026.
The sessions will train participants on practical income-generating opportunities, including climate literacy and “waste-to-wealth” initiatives.
The Lagos Women Run road race scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 14, 2026 is a 10km race that will commence from the iconic Tafawa Balewa square from 6.30 am and ends at Mobolaji Arena Sports Complex, Onikan.
