Why Awele Elumelu Races Across The Globe

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE

Awele Vivian Elumelu is definitely a woman of many accomplishments. Despite being married to one of Africa’s most prominent entrepreneurs and philanthropists, Tony O. Elumelu, this dynamic lady has made a mark in her own right —as a medical doctor, smart entrepreneur and co-founder of a non-profit. 

With a lot of media interest surrounding the Elumelu name as a result of the family social status, Awele chose to avoid it. However, underneath her near low profile is a busy woman making strategic business moves whilst effectively running her home.

One of Awele’s exceptional acts is how she has been able to find the perfect balance between her high-profile executive life, managing the family and, like her husband, sees philanthropy as a big deal. Beyond the glam, Awele has quietly been reaching out sharing love and hope with the downtrodden and others who need it most. Early this January, Awele had a heartfelt day with the beautiful children at House of Gold Children’s Hospice in Surulere, Lagos as part of a larger effort to support orphanages across Nigeria. At one point, CNN once referred to Awele and Tony Elumelu as a power couple due to their dedication to philanthropy.

But what many just getting to know about her is the fact that she is an avid athlete with love for skiing and sprints.

To her, physical fitness is not merely about endurance; it is about achieving a state where the body becomes an ally to the mind’s aspirations. It is a seamless harmony of body, mind, and purpose. To achieve this, Awele, 54, has featured in many athletic events in Nigeria, Europe and the United States of America, especially marathon races.

What started as a simple lockdown hobby in 2020 —when she turned 50— has turned into an incredibly rewarding journey with Awele participation in six international marathon meets.

Awele has crossed the finish line of the New York Marathon, participated in the London Marathon held in March 2024. A month later, Awele ran and completed the 42km Manchester Marathon also in the United Kingdom. Later in October, she increased the pace by competing in the 42.2 km Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Berlin Marathon in Germany was her fifth conquest as she did not just claim another medal—she exemplified the boundless spirit of resilience, healthful living and ambition as she breasted the tape of the gruelling 42.195-kilometre race. And last weekend, the brilliant entrepreneur was in Tokyo, Japan —her first trip to the Far Asian nation— to participate in the Tokyo Marathon 2025.

Awele’s interest in marathons is not an isolated pursuit but part of a larger commitment to a holistic well-being and a commitment to the delivery of economic opportunity, social good, and greater health and opportunity to all Africans.