Abuja Charity Race Delivers ₦12.4 Million Boost For Maternal And Child Healthcare

Abuja Charity Race Delivers ₦12.4 Million Boost For Maternal And Child Healthcare

By BSN Sports 

The sixth edition of the Run Club Abuja (RCA) Charity Half Marathon has raised ₦12.4 million to procure life-saving neonatal equipment for public hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), further strengthening efforts to reduce infant mortality and improve access to quality healthcare in underserved communities, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Funds generated from the annual charity race will be used to purchase essential neonatal equipment, including incubators, nebulisers and resuscitators, for selected hospitals in Abaji and Kuje Area Councils, where access to specialised newborn care remains limited.

Speaking after the event, President of Run Club Abuja, Buchi Onyebule, described the overwhelming turnout as a reflection of the growing public confidence in the initiative and its humanitarian mission.

According to Onyebule, participation has grown significantly since the marathon's inception—from about 100 runners in its inaugural edition and 250 in the second edition to approximately 1,000 participants this year. He said the event has attracted fitness enthusiasts, corporate organisations, philanthropists and changemakers from across Nigeria.

While promoting healthy living remains central to the club's vision, Onyebule noted that community service has become an equally important pillar of the annual event.

Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Peju Lawanson, said Run Club Abuja has evolved beyond a fitness community into a platform that delivers meaningful social impact through charitable interventions.

She explained that this year's fundraising drive is focused on improving maternal and child healthcare by equipping selected hospitals with critical neonatal equipment needed to care for premature and 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, including incubators, nebulisers and resuscitators, to help reduce infant mortality," Lawanson said.

The marathon's principal sponsor, Norrenberger Group, reaffirmed its commitment to initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles while delivering measurable social impact.

Managing Director of Norrenberger, Tony Edeh, said the company has supported the event for three consecutive years, describing the partnership as an opportunity to encourage wellness and expand charitable interventions across communities.

"What makes this initiative unique is that more Nigerians are embracing charity, adopting healthier lifestyles and supporting vulnerable members of society," Edeh said.

The event also attracted international participants, including French couple Marie-Jo Tafforeau and Sylvain Tafforeau, who praised the initiative for combining fitness with community service.

Completing her first-ever half marathon, Marie-Jo said running has been an important part of her life for two decades because of its physical and mental health benefits.

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

Sylvain encouraged people to embrace exercise at their own pace, noting that running also fosters friendship and social inclusion.

"I run for the fun and to have the opportunity to run with many people. Everyone should run at their own pace, have fun with friends and keep healthy," he said, adding that joining Run Club Abuja had helped him settle into life in Nigeria.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who also took part in the race, commended the organisers for leveraging sport as a platform for social intervention while stressing that charitable efforts should complement government responsibility in healthcare delivery.

"I want to commend the organisers for making this happen and encourage more Nigerians to participate in sporting activities. This is how to stay healthy, safe and fit. I hope to see even greater participation in future editions," Sowore said.

The Run Club Abuja Charity Half Marathon has grown into one of the Federal Capital Territory's leading fitness and fundraising events, bringing together individuals, organisations and development partners to promote healthier lifestyles while mobilising resources for critical healthcare interventions.