The organisers of the 2023 annual Lagos Women Run have announced significant enhancements, including larger prize money and empowerment initiatives, to provide participants with a more enriching experience.
Tayo Popoola, the convener of Lagos Women Run, revealed the prize money for this year’s event has been raised from N1 million to N1.5 million. In addition to the increased prize, empowerment programmes have been incorporated to benefit the participants.
“The 8th edition of the Lagos Women Run is bigger because there is an increase in the Prize money. Last year, the winners got N1 million, while this year’s overall winners will go home with N1.5 million,” stated Tayo Popoola. She also expressed gratitude for the support received from Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC).
Popoola emphasised the event’s uniqueness in 2023, as several empowerment programs have been integrated. “The Lagos Women Run this year wants to impact more positively the lives of our women through exhibitions, lectures, and vocational training,” she noted, adding that the programs are designed to improve the living conditions of the women.
In discussing the event’s evolution, Popoola said, “We have been creating our mission about women’s welfare, empowering women in health and well-being. Lagos Women Run is now about an all-inclusive welfare package for Lagos women. We have been able to extend the number of winners from each category from 10 to 20; the open category will accommodate 20 winners, likewise the veterans category.”
Tokunbo Bombata, Director of the Office of the Chief of Staff, Lagos State government, emphasised the growing significance of the Women Run, envisioning its continual expansion. “We need more people to come and run like never before because it’s not just a run now, but a means to change the lives of our women. It is sort of an empowerment programme that is aimed at bringing women together and supporting them in small businesses and finance,” Bombata said.
Bombata’s aspirations for the event are lofty, to increase attendance. “We aspire to make the event bigger every year with more women participating, we can go up to 50,000 in attendance. We have had up to over 8,000 women registered for this year’s edition and we plan to surpass last year’s mark of a little over 10,000. This year, maybe we will have up to 15,000 participants,” she stated.
As part of the efforts to draw more participants, there will be an intensified awareness campaign. Additionally, the organisers are actively seeking more sponsors to further enhance the prizes for the event.
The 8th edition of the Lagos Women Run is scheduled for November 11, starting at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) on Lagos Island.
