CCR Promotes Community Engagement, Physical Active lifestyles As Aminat, James Emerge Champions

As the 2nd edition of the Capital City Race mini-marathon, organised by Capital City Race, in collaboration with the Lagos State Sports Commission come to an end, an initiative established to promote community engagement, youth development and inspire active lifestyles, the duo of Alabi Aminat and Jonathan James have emerged champions in the women and men’s categories.

The Ikeja city was a beehive of activities as thousands of runners, fitness enthusiasts and fun runners took their positions from the start point at Ikeja City Mall en route to the finish point at the AVMCC Field, GRA where the 10k concluded.

The Director General, National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade alongside Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu performed the official flag off of the race.

CCR is another avenue for the athletic talents in Lagos and beyond particularly those who specialized in long distance races, inspiring fitness enthusiasts and educating the populace on the significance of maintaining an active lifestyles.

Convener Dapo Ajayi said, the second edition of CCR has successfully promoted health, physical fitness and community engagement across the Nation, encouraging Nigerians to engage in long-distance race and improve their fitness.

“Our vision is to host races in all 36 capital cities, making it easier for people to participate, no need of coming down to Lagos and promoting a culture of running and fitness across Nigeria,” he noted.

He added that the Capital City Race aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of promoting health and well-being of individuals.

In the women’s category, Lagos-based runner, Aminat clinched the first position with a time of 35: 43:73 earning a cash prize of 500,000 naira while Blessing Solomon Shambor finished closely behind in 35:43:74 to take second place with 300,000 naira and her compatriot Vivian Obadiah Neyitwe, secured third place 35:55 seconds to receive 200,000 naira.

In the men’s category, Jonathan James won with a finishing time of 31 minutes and walked home with half a million naira. Dabi Irimiaya Dachung, who came second with a time of 31:12 seconds took home 300,000 naira, while the third person to cross the ribbon, Musa Bala Sati with a time of 31:54 seconds got 200,000 naira.

Winner in the women’s category, Aminat in her reaction after receiving her cash prize, explained that she has been training for the 10k race and working harder, saying with the moral support from her coach and colleagues she was able to coast home to victory.

Head of Event and Sponsorship, Falokun Folashade said, capital city Race is making waves in promoting fitness and wellness across Nigeria cities.

“The race is expanding beyond Lagos to other cities like Abuja, Ibadan, and Asaba, promoting healthy awareness and exercise nationwide”, she noted.

“We are grateful to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for the unwavering support and sponsorship of the event and for the state’s dedication towards the well-being of Lagos residents”.

With the support of the state government in long-distance races, it is not only building the confidence of runners but also creating a movement, strengthening community bonds, and propagating an active lifestyle among residents.