Ondo City is buzzing with excitement as final preparations are underway for a major festive season event. The community is set to host the second edition of the Prince Adewole Adebayo Christmas Marathon alongside the Queen Lillian Adebayo Health Walk.
Event Details and Community Vision
The combined fitness and community celebration is scheduled for December 28, 2025. Building on the success of its debut, organizers promise this year's event will be larger and more inclusive, welcoming participants of all ages at no cost. The initiative, spearheaded by Prince Adewole Adebayo and Queen Lillian Adebayo, aims to cement itself as a beloved holiday tradition within Ondo State.
Prince Adewole Adebayo, a noted philanthropist and policy advocate, explained the core vision driving the event. He stated that the marathon transcends physical activity, serving as a platform for wellness, unity, and shared joy. "This marathon is more than a race," he emphasized, "it is a celebration of community and a reminder that good health is a gift we must protect." The event is designed to foster healthy living, engage the youth, strengthen community bonds, and provide festive cheer.
Substantial Prizes and Inclusive Participation
A major highlight attracting competitive runners are the significant cash prizes. The marathon will award top finishers in both male and female categories as follows:
- First Place: N2,000,000
- Second Place: N1,000,000
- Third Place: N500,000
Consolation prizes will also be awarded to those finishing from fourth to tenth position.
Running concurrently, the Queen Lillian Adebayo Health Walk offers a non-competitive alternative. This segment encourages families, youth groups, fitness clubs, and senior citizens to join in a refreshing wellness walk, emphasizing participation over competition.
Enhanced Experience and How to Join
Learning from the impressive turnout and energetic atmosphere of the first edition, the organizing committee has implemented several upgrades for 2025. These include improved route coordination, enhanced safety protocols, a streamlined digital registration process, and more cheer zones along the course to motivate participants.
Interested individuals can still register for free through two primary channels:
- Designated physical registration centers located across Ondo City.
- The official online registration platform at: https://runsignup.com/Race/NG/ONDOCITY/PrinceAdewoleADEBAYOChristmasONDOCITYRoadRace
The event promises to be a holistic experience, featuring entertainment, refreshments, and full medical support. Special appearances from notable personalities are also expected, making it a unifying year-end celebration for families and residents. The initiative is powered by Prince Adewole Adebayo, a humanitarian and legal expert, and Queen Lillian Adebayo, a champion of health, fitness, and women's wellbeing.
