Tijani Mohammed Rajab, a Junior Secondary School 3 student of Unity Junior College, Agege, was one of the standout young participants at the 2026 edition of the Lagos City Marathon, where he competed in the 10-kilometre race and recorded a significant improvement on his previous performance.
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Speaking with Sports247 after the race, the young runner confirmed that this was his second appearance at the Lagos City Marathon, having also competed in the 10km category in the 2025 edition. Unlike many participants, Tijani’s journey into running did not begin through a formal school athletics programme but through personal initiative and family support.
“Yes, it’s my second time, and I’ve always run the 10 kilometres,” he said.
Tijani revealed that he surpassed his personal best by a wide margin, cutting down his finishing time from 53 minutes last year to 45 minutes in the 2026 race, a leap that clearly reflected months of consistent effort.
“Yes, I used 45 minutes this year. Last year, it was 53 minutes,” he explained, visibly proud of the improvement.
When asked about what inspired him to take part in the marathon, the teenager was clear about his long-term ambitions, stating that his motivation goes beyond participation.
“I want to become an elite runner and represent Nigeria in international races,” Tijani said.
Although he is not yet a registered athlete and does not currently compete for his school, Tijani disclosed that his training journey began informally, under the guidance of his uncle, who has been instrumental in encouraging his interest in long-distance running.
Pressed on what advice he would give to other young people interested in running, the Agege-based student emphasized discipline, consistency, and mental strength as key factors for success.
“They should keep training consistently and be disciplined,” he said. “They should do it all the time, even when they feel like not doing it. They should keep going on and be determined because one day, their dreams would come true.”
Looking ahead to the next edition of the Lagos City Marathon, Tijani has already set a clear target for himself, aiming to break another barrier in his development as a runner.
“Next year, I want to run less than 40 minutes,” he added confidently.
Tijani Mohammed Rajab’s story reflects the growing grassroots impact of the Lagos City Marathon, as it continues to inspire young Nigerians to discover, nurture, and pursue their athletic dreams beyond professional structures.
