Aminat Alabi Makes History as First Lagos-Born Winner of Lagos Women Run 2025

Posted : 08 November 2025

It was a remarkable display of grit, character, resilience, and discipline as Aminat Alabi, a Lagos-based nursing mother, made history by becoming the first indigenous runner to win the Lagos Women Run in its 10th anniversary edition.

Alabi, who is nursing a two-year-old son and is the daughter of a retired military officer, crossed the finish line in 39:25 seconds, outsmarting over 8,000 registered participants. The race has historically been dominated by long-distance runners from northern Nigeria, particularly those from Jos, Plateau State, with Joy Abiye of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps having won the competition three times in the past.

In the 2025 edition, 19-year-old Vivian Obadiah from Jos finished second with a time of 39:55, while veteran runner Elizabeth Bawa, also from Jos, placed third in 40:41 seconds.

Reflecting on her victory, Alabi said she never expected to win against the seasoned northern runners.

“First of all, I thank Almighty God for giving me this day because I was so afraid. I didn’t believe I was going to win this race. I was scared running against the marathoners from the north, but in spite of my fears, I remained consistent in my training. I just hoped to be among the top three,” she said.

Alabi also praised her coach for guidance and motivation:

“My coach played a vital role in my achievement today. He gave me advice and assured me I would be among the top three. I trained in the very dark hours of the night at times, sometimes at 2 a.m., and also during the day. Raising my two-year-old son has been a challenge, but also a source of motivation. The sacrifices have been worth it.”

Lekan Fatodu, Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, hailed the organisers for a decade of consistency:

“It’s been a remarkable journey — a decade of experiences, exploits, opportunities, and building community cohesion. This win gives insight into the sporting future of Lagos and demonstrates the talent in every corner of the state.”

The Coordinator of Lagos Women Run, Temitope Popoola, emphasized the race’s wider impact:

“The race promotes wellbeing, empowerment, and networking among women of all ages. We encourage women across Lagos and Nigeria to focus on their health because a healthy woman creates healthy families and a healthy nation.”

The 10th edition winners went home with cash prizes of N2 million for first place, N1.5 million for second, and N1 million for third.

Aminat Alabi Makes History as First Lagos-Born Winner of Lagos Women Run 2025

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