By Editor
The sixth edition of the Run Club Abuja (RCA) Charity Half Marathon has raised ₦12.4 million to procure life-saving neonatal equipment for two public hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in a major boost to maternal and child healthcare.
The funds generated from the annual charity race will be used to purchase incubators, nebulisers and resuscitators for selected hospitals in the Abaji and Kuje Area Councils, where access to specialised neonatal care remains limited.
Speaking after the event, President of Run Club Abuja, Buchi Onyebule, said the remarkable increase in participation over the years reflects growing public confidence in the initiative and its impact on society.
According to him, the charity marathon, which attracted about 100 participants in its maiden edition and 250 in its second year, recorded approximately 1,000 runners this year, including fitness enthusiasts, philanthropists and social advocates from across the country.
Onyebule said that while promoting healthy living remains one of the club's core objectives, making meaningful contributions to society has become an equally important part of its mission.
Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Peju Lawanson, described the annual event as more than just a fitness gathering, noting that it has evolved into a platform for humanitarian intervention.
She explained that this year's edition is focused on improving maternal and child healthcare by providing essential neonatal equipment capable of saving the lives of vulnerable newborns in public hospitals.
Principal sponsor, Norrenberger Group, also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that combine healthy living with social impact. The company's Managing Director, Tony Edeh, said the organisation has partnered with the charity marathon for three consecutive years because it promotes wellness while supporting vulnerable communities.
The event also attracted international participants, including French couple Marie-Jo Tafforeau and Sylvain Tafforeau. Marie-Jo, who completed her first half marathon, described running as beneficial to both physical and mental wellbeing, while her husband encouraged people to exercise at their own pace and enjoy the social benefits of the sport.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who also participated in the marathon, commended the organisers for using sports as a platform for positive social change. He encouraged more Nigerians to embrace physical activity while stressing that charitable initiatives should complement, rather than replace, government's responsibility to provide quality healthcare.
Over the years, the Run Club Abuja Charity Half Marathon has grown into one of the Federal Capital Territory's leading fitness events, combining sports and philanthropy to raise funds for critical healthcare interventions while promoting healthier lifestyles across Nigeria.