More than 200 runners took to the streets of Abuja to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary with an overnight endurance run promoting patriotism, resilience and greater youth participation in sports.
The event, organised by the Trail Blazers Running Club and tagged the “Dusk Till Dawn Run,” began at midnight and featured a 66-kilometre challenge, alongside an open-distance category for participants covering between 21 and 65 kilometres.
The 10-kilometre loop passed through Wuse 2, with hydration points and security support provided for the participants.
According to the club’s captain, Ifeanyi Okeke, the run was designed to symbolise Nigeria’s journey through challenges and its determination to build a better future.
He urged young Nigerians to remain resilient and continue working towards a better country, while also calling on the National Sports Commission to improve sports facilities across the country, particularly the training track at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Long-distance runner Seyifunmi Adebote described the turnout as a sign of the growing running community in Nigeria. He also called for greater government support and investment in running and other sporting activities.
The event marked the second edition of the club’s Independence endurance challenge, following a 65-kilometre run organised to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th anniversary in 2025.
