Bolanle Adeyemi was among the thousands of participants who lined up for the 2026 edition of the Lagos City Marathon held last Saturday, marking her debut appearance at the prestigious road race and emerging with a powerful personal story of determination and self-belief.
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Speaking with Sports247 after crossing the finish line, Adeyemi confirmed it was her first time taking part in the marathon, admitting that she had previously felt unprepared for such a challenge.
“This is my first time,” she said. Reflecting on why she had not participated in earlier editions, she explained that fitness and motivation had been major barriers.
“I believe I was not fit enough, and I didn’t have a partner to encourage me. So I got better. I got into fitness more late last year, and my partner encouraged me to walk because we do walk around the estate sometimes… and he was like, sign up for this.”
Adeyemi revealed that despite doubts and work commitments almost forcing her to withdraw at the last minute, she made the decision to push through.
“Even though I was almost backing out at the last minute because of work, I was like, I’ve not been able to practice enough. I hope I will stop at two kilometres and all of that, but eventually I finished,” she said.
Describing the emotional moment of approaching the finish line, Adeyemi spoke candidly about the mental battle she faced during the race. “Honestly, I couldn’t believe I could do it, because when I was at five kilometres… I was thinking, will I finish this?” she recalled. “But seeing eight kilometres, like two kilometres to the end, I was so happy. And it feels so good, like setting a goal for yourself and achieving it.”
She admitted that the journey was not without pauses, noting that she had to manage her pace strategically. “Yeah, I did stop, of course. I stopped for a water break, and I took energy drinks. But I was steady; it was more of an okay, steady pace and moving on,” Adeyemi explained.
Offering words of encouragement to others considering participating in future editions, Adeyemi emphasized mindset over physical limitations. “I would say that you can.
You don’t see yourself as not fit; you can do it. Others are doing it. And when you set a target for yourself, keep the promise to yourself… it encourages you, and it gives you this sense of confidence.”
She also praised the organisers and title sponsor Access Bank for sustaining the marathon as a platform for mass participation and public health awareness.
“Honestly, what Access Bank is doing is great. You can see a lot of people, youth out there, even older people running… to keep the heart pumping, which is the most important organ of the body. This CSR for Access Bank, they should keep it up,” she said.
Having successfully completed her first Lagos City Marathon, Adeyemi made it clear that this would not be her last appearance. “Yes, I will,” she said confidently when asked about returning next year, signaling the start of what could become a lasting fitness journey.
