Lekki Estate Hosts Inaugural 10km Walking Marathon

The usually quiet Northern Foreshore Estate in Lekki, Lagos, came alive over the weekend as residents, fitness enthusiasts, and friends gathered for the maiden edition of Wakathon 2025 — a 10-kilometre walking marathon designed to promote fitness, wellness, and community bonding.

Organised by the Waka Brothers, the event attracted over 200 participants from within and outside the estate, earning praise from residents and stakeholders as a model for grassroots health and wellness initiatives.

Speaking after the event, Mr. Emmanuel Olaegbe, Chairman of the Organising Committee and Managing Director of Global Quali Support Services Limited, said Wakathon 2025 was a natural extension of the group’s long-standing walking culture.

“We are a group of fitness-minded brothers who have made walking a daily habit,” he said. “For nearly 15 years, we’ve walked every morning from Monday to Saturday — and the benefits have been immense.”

Olaegbe added that beyond fitness, the group’s mission focuses on building discipline, consistency, and community engagement.

Co-founder of the Waka Brothers and CEO of Wynk Limited, Dr. Jerry Igwilo, recalled that the idea for Wakathon started as a playful conversation during one of their early morning walks.

“It began as a joke,” he said. “But I drafted an 18-page proposal, and it quickly turned into a dream everyone got behind.”

With an estimated budget of ₦15 million, the organisers opted for corporate sponsorship rather than personal contributions — a move Igwilo said reflected the group’s collaborative and visionary spirit.

Looking ahead, he revealed that future editions of the event would incorporate AI-based tracking tools, drone coverage, and extended registration periods to accommodate more participants.

One of the major sponsors, Mr. Patrick Iloh, Managing Director of Petrocam Trading Nigeria Limited, described Wakathon 2025 as “a masterclass in community planning and leadership.”

“This event was carefully and intelligently crafted,” Iloh said. “It’s not just about walking — it’s about connection. People got to know each other, share meals, and build friendships. Walking is life; age comes from the legs.”

Winners of the marathon walked home with cash prizes of ₦250,000, ₦150,000, and ₦100,000 for the first, second, and third positions, respectively.