Run Club Abuja Raises N12.4 Million for Neonatal Healthcare Equipment in FCT Hospitals

The sixth edition of the Run Club Abuja (RCA) Charity Half Marathon has raised N12.4 million to procure neonatal healthcare equipment for two public hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), organisers have announced.

According to a statement signed by Jonathan Ameh, a member of the Media and Publicity Committee, the President of Run Club Abuja, Buchi Onyebule, disclosed this after the charity race held in Abuja on Saturday.

Onyebule said the funds would be used to provide critical neonatal equipment, including incubators, nebulisers and resuscitators, to selected public hospitals in Abaji and Kuje Area Councils.

He explained that the intervention is designed to improve access to specialised newborn healthcare services and help reduce infant mortality in the beneficiary communities.

“Our objective is not only to promote healthy living through fitness but also to give back to society by supporting critical healthcare needs,” Onyebule said.

He added that participation in the annual charity marathon has continued to increase since its inception, growing from about 100 runners in the first edition to approximately 250 participants in the second edition, with about 1,000 runners taking part in this year’s event.

The Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Peju Lawanson, said the club has evolved beyond a fitness group into a platform for humanitarian and community development initiatives.

According to her, this year’s intervention focuses on strengthening maternal and child healthcare through the provision of essential neonatal medical equipment.

“We have grown into a community that supports the less privileged. This year, we are providing incubators, nebulisers and resuscitators to selected hospitals in Abaji and Kuje to help improve neonatal healthcare,” Lawanson said.

The Managing Director of Norrenberger Group, Tony Edeh, said the company has partnered with the charity marathon for the past three years, describing the initiative as consistent with the organisation’s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles while supporting impactful social causes.

Edeh noted that more Nigerians are embracing charitable initiatives through sporting activities.

Among the participants was French national Marie-Jo Tafforeau, who completed her first half marathon and described running as beneficial to both physical and mental health.

“I started running 20 years ago for my health. Running is good for your body and your mind,” she said.

Her husband, Sylvain Tafforeau, encouraged people to adopt regular exercise at their own pace, adding that running also creates opportunities for social interaction.
He said joining Run Club Abuja had helped him settle into life in Nigeria.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore also commended the organisers for leveraging sports to support healthcare interventions.

He, however, stressed that charitable initiatives should complement government efforts in providing essential healthcare services and urged more Nigerians to participate in sporting activities to promote healthier lifestyles.

The annual Run Club Abuja Charity Half Marathon combines fitness with fundraising to support healthcare projects and other community development initiatives across the Federal Capital Territory.

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