The 2025 edition of the Okun Marathon Race, an annual sporting event, organised by Firstmade Foundation, a humanitarian organisation, will hold on December 24, 2025, in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, the Foundation stated on Monday.
The statement listed Yagba West Local Government Secretariat, Odo-Ere and Royal Place Suites and Event Centre along Egbe-Odo-Ere Road as the two starting points of the race for both the male and female categories, respectively. The finish point for both male and female categories is ETIJAKURU (ORI ERU) at Egbe.
Beyond the boundaries of Okunland and Kogi State by extension, participants are expected from other parts of the country, including the North Central and the South West geographical region.
The programme, the second of its kind, having debuted in December 2024, is the initiative of the founder and sole financier of Firstmade Foundation, Mr Olufemi Olusanya— a seasoned professional with expertise in product and service development analysis and human resource capacity building expert.
According to the organisation’s spokesman, Hon Segun Balogun, Firstmade Foundation Okun Marathon Race 2025 is more than just a sporting event. It is a celebration of unity, health, culture, and community development across Okunland and beyond. “Everyone — young and old, male and female, chiefs and citizens — has something to gain.”
Aside from significant mental and physical health benefits, the statement listed other benefits of this year’s edition of the Okun Marathon Race as follows:
●Benefits to the Elderly
Encourages physical fitness and healthy living through light exercise and participation.
Creates a sense of belonging and inclusion in community activities.
Revives memories and strengthens social connections among age groups.
Promotes emotional well-being and reduces loneliness among the aged
●Benefits to the Youth
Inspires discipline, endurance, and sportsmanship.
Offers an opportunity to discover athletic talents for national and international recognition.
Encourages youth participation in community development and positive engagement.
Builds confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills.
●Benefits to the Society
Promotes unity and peaceful coexistence among diverse groups.
Encourages a healthy lifestyle and community involvement.
Reduces crime and social vices through youth engagement in positive activities.
Strengthens family and social bonds through collective participation and cheering.
●Benefits to the Community
Boosts the local economy through increased business activities and visitors’ spending.
Encourages infrastructural development and community pride.
Promotes collaboration among local groups, schools, and organizations.
Fosters a shared identity and collective progress.
●Benefits to Okunland
Projects Okunland to national and global recognition.
Showcases the unity, resilience, and hospitality of Okun people.
Revives and preserves cultural pride through traditional participation and display.
Positions Okunland as a hub for sports and tourism events in Nigeria.
●Benefits to Traders
Provides a great opportunity for increased sales and business exposure.
Attracts visitors who patronize food vendors, souvenir sellers, and artisans.
Encourages entrepreneurship and local product promotion.
Strengthens local commerce and circulation of wealth within the community.
●Benefits to the Winners
Opens doors to the world of sports, both within and outside Nigeria.
Creates opportunities for sponsorships and athletic development.
Brings recognition, pride, and motivation to aim higher in future competitions.
Builds a legacy of achievement for both the winners and the Okun community.
●Benefits of Introducing Our Community and Cultural Heritage
Showcases Okun’s rich culture, traditional attire, music, and dance to the world.
Promotes cultural education among younger generations.
Encourages cultural preservation and respect for tradition.
Strengthens the image of Okunland as a vibrant and proud cultural community.
●Benefits of Tourist Attraction
Draws visitors from far and near to witness the race and experience Okun culture.
Increases hospitality business opportunities — hotels, restaurants, transport, and tourism services.
Highlights the scenic beauty and historical landmarks of Okunland.
Promotes long-term tourism development and investment in the region.
“In conclusion, the Firstmade Foundation Okun Marathon Race 2025 is not just a competition — it is a celebration of unity, health, and heritage, bringing everlasting benefits to the elderly, the youth, the community, and Okun Land as a whole”, the statement added.
The 2025 Firstmade Foundation Okun Marathon Race is in partnership with similarly reputable humanitarian and private sector-–driven organisations including Tayo Leslie Foundation, Olam Agri Crestpart Ltd, Beluga global concept, Toluwatimofe Resources Mcsond group, Ogbe Trading Ventures and Ambience of Hope Foundation.
