Oluwasegun Oni is no stranger to the Lagos City Marathon. The seasoned road runner returned once again in 2026, competing in the 10km race and sharing insights from nearly a decade of consistent participation in the iconic event.
Speaking with Sports247 after his run, Oni revealed that this year marked his seventh or eighth appearance at the marathon, placing him among the early runners who helped shape the race into what it has become today.
“No, this is about my 7th or 8th time in the Lagos City Marathon,” he said. “I started running in 2016 when the inaugural race started, and ever since, I’ve not looked back.”
Although many assume such consistency comes from a professional background, Oni was quick to clarify that running is purely a personal passion. “I’m not an athlete. Running is one of my hobbies,” he explained. “In my spare time, early Saturday mornings and Sunday evenings, I go out for long walks or long jogs.”
Unlike competitive runners who chase podium finishes or personal records, Oni adopts a relaxed and pressure-free approach. “I don’t set any goals,” he said. “I don’t time myself, I don’t put myself under any pressure. I just run—just for fun.”
Reflecting on the 2026 edition, Oni noted his interest in the marathon’s evolving structure, particularly the full marathon route. “I would have loved to compete in the 42 kilometres,” he said, adding that changes to the route came late. “I’m hoping that next year I will take part in the 42 kilometres just to see what that route feels like.”
He recalled that in the very first edition, all participants ran the full marathon distance. “Everybody ran 42km for the first edition. It was later that they introduced the option of 42km and 10km,” he explained.
Over the years, Oni has competed in both distances, depending on his preparation. “If I’m doing 42km, I start preparing in December. For 10km, I can start maybe a month ahead.”
Beyond fitness, Oni believes marathon running offers life lessons that extend far beyond the road. “Road races teach you endurance, stamina, not giving up, and goal setting,” he said. “Running a race and life are almost similar. You experience a lot of things about life, and it helps you forge ahead.”
Looking ahead, Oni is already planning new challenges beyond Lagos. “Yes, I’m looking forward to next year,” he said. “I plan to run races in other states—IFE Marathon, Abeokuta Marathon and others. That’s my goal.”
For Oni, the Lagos City Marathon is more than an annual event, it is a journey of consistency, self-awareness, and lifelong learning through running.
