RCA stages charity half marathon, targets infant mortality with ₦12.4m neonatal intervention

The sixth edition of the Run Club Abuja (RCA) Charity Half Marathon will hold on Saturday July 11, 2026 with organisers targeting a reduction in infant mortality through the provision of life-saving neonatal equipment to two public hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Organisers said proceeds from the annual charity race would be used to procure critical neonatal medical equipment worth ₦12.4 million for the hospitals, particularly those serving rural communities, to improve maternal and child healthcare and give newborn babies a better chance of survival.

The annual event, which has grown into one of Abuja’s leading charity sporting initiatives, combines fitness with philanthropy by mobilising runners, corporate organisations and members of the public to support healthcare interventions. Blueprint reports

Race with a purpose

Speaking ahead of the event, Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Peju Lawanson, said the charity marathon has evolved beyond a sporting competition into a platform for community development and social impact.

According to her, this year’s intervention reflects the club’s commitment to addressing one of Nigeria’s critical public health challenges by supporting healthcare facilities with equipment capable of improving neonatal care.

She said every participant, volunteer, donor and sponsor would contribute directly to saving lives through the initiative.

“The annual charity half marathon has grown beyond a fitness challenge into a platform for community development. It encourages Nigerians to unite behind a cause that directly improves lives.

About 1,000 runners expected

“Every runner, volunteer and donor is contributing to giving newborn babies a better chance of survival. This is an opportunity for citizens to help build a healthier future for the next generation,” Lawanson said.

The charity race, themed “Run with Rhythm,” is expected to attract about 1,000 participants competing in the 21.1-kilometre half marathon, 10-kilometre and 5-kilometre races.

Organisers said the event would bring together elite runners, recreational athletes, fitness enthusiasts and corporate teams, all united by a common goal of supporting improved healthcare delivery.

President of Run Club Abuja, Buchi Onyegbule, said the complete sale of available race slots demonstrates the confidence participants and partners have continued to place in the initiative.

According to him, this year’s edition also recorded an increase in virtual participants, with registrations received from outside Nigeria and across different continents.

“The fact that all the available slots were sold out reflects the trust reposed in Run Club Abuja by the fitness community and change-makers across the country and beyond. This year, we have also witnessed increased participation from runners outside Nigeria and Africa through our virtual race category,” Onyegbule said.

Safety remains priority

Onyegbule assured participants that adequate arrangements had been made to guarantee their safety and well-being throughout the event.

He disclosed that organisers had put in place sufficient hydration points, medical support teams and other safety measures along the race routes.

He added that participants would receive commemorative medals at the finish line, while the kit collection exercise would also feature optional health screening services as part of efforts to promote preventive healthcare.

“Our priority remains the safety and welfare of every participant. We have made adequate preparations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all runners,” he said.

Norrenberger reaffirms commitment

Returning as headline sponsor for the third consecutive year, Norrenberger Financial Group said its continued partnership reflects confidence in the charity marathon’s measurable social impact and its commitment to improving maternal and child healthcare in Nigeria.

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tony Edeh, described the partnership as more than corporate sponsorship, saying it had become a long-term investment in community development.

According to him, the neonatal equipment to be procured through this year’s event would directly contribute to saving the lives of mothers and newborns.

“Our support for this initiative goes beyond sponsorship. It is an investment in community development because we believe in programmes that deliver tangible and accountable results.

“The equipment to be provided through this year’s race will help save lives and demonstrates how private sector partnerships can complement government efforts in strengthening healthcare delivery,” Edeh said.

Partnership for sustainable development

Also speaking, the company’s Group Head of Strategy and Sustainability, Amani Momodu, described maternal and neonatal healthcare as one of Nigeria’s most pressing development challenges.

He said addressing the challenge requires sustained collaboration among government institutions, private organisations, civil society groups and community-based organisations.

According to him, Norrenberger’s partnership with Run Club Abuja aligns with the company’s sustainability agenda and contributes to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

Momodu noted that measurable community impact remains central to the organisation’s corporate sustainability initiatives.

Sport driving social impact

Beyond promoting healthy lifestyles and physical fitness, the Run Club Abuja Charity Half Marathon has continued to establish itself as a platform for mobilising citizens, businesses and development partners to invest in critical healthcare interventions.

Over the years, proceeds from the annual race have supported various charitable causes, reinforcing the role of sports as a vehicle for community development and humanitarian intervention.

Organisers expressed optimism that this year’s edition would not only record another successful sporting outing but also make a meaningful contribution towards reducing infant mortality and improving access to quality neonatal healthcare in the Federal Capital Territory.