The organisers of the sixth Run Club Abuja (RCA) Charity Half Marathon were ecstatic, at the weekend, following the success of the race, which raised N12.4 million to provide life-saving neonatal equipment for two public hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory.

They said the feat has reinforced efforts to reduce infant mortality and improve healthcare delivery in underserved communities.

The proceeds from the yearly charity race will be used to procure neonatal equipment, including incubators, nebulisers and resuscitators, for selected hospitals in Abaji and Kuje Area Councils, where access to specialised newborn care remains limited, the organisers said.

Speaking after the event, President of Run Club Abuja, Buchi Onyebule, said the steady increase in participation over the years reflects growing public confidence in the initiative and its social impact.

According to him, the event has expanded from about 100 to 250 participants in its inaugural and second editions to 1,000 runners this year, attracting fitness enthusiasts, philanthropists and changemakers from across Nigeria. He stressed that while promoting fitness remains central to the club’s activities, giving back to society has become an equally important mission.

Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Peju Lawanson, said Run Club Abuja has evolved beyond a fitness community into a platform for humanitarian intervention.

She explained that this year’s project focuses on improving maternal and child healthcare by equipping hospitals with essential neonatal equipment capable of saving the lives of vulnerable newborns.

“We have grown to become a community that gives back to society. Every year, our annual event is dedicated to improving the lives of the less privileged. This year, we are supporting selected hospitals in Abaji and Kuje by providing neonatal equipment, nebulisers, incubators and resuscitators to help reduce infant mortality,” Lawanson said.

The event’s principal sponsor, Norrenberger Group, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting initiatives that combine healthy living with social impact.

Managing Director of Norrenberger, Tony Edeh, noted that the company has partnered with the charity marathon for three consecutive years, describing the event as an avenue to promote wellness while expanding charitable interventions.

“What makes this unique is that more Nigerians are opening up to charity, embracing healthy lifestyles and supporting vulnerable people in society,” Edeh said.

The international appeal of the marathon was evident with the participation of Marie-Jo Tafforeau and Sylvain Tafforeau, a French couple who joined the race.

Marie-Jo, who completed her first-ever half marathon, described running as beneficial to both physical and mental wellbeing.

“I started running 20 years ago for my health. Running is good for your body, but also for your mind,” she said.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who also participated in the race, commended the organisers for using sport as a vehicle for social intervention, while emphasising that charitable initiatives should complement, rather than replace, government responsibility. (The Guardian)

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