Running for Unity: Behind the Scenes of the 2025 Unity Marathon & Festival
On January 2, 2025, the roads of Nnewi South LGA came alive with pounding footsteps, waving flags, and a shared heartbeat of purpose. The Unity Marathon & Festival, an initiative of the Kingsley Obiukwu Foundation (KOF), wasn’t just a race,it was a movement.
Ukpor to Osumenyi, more than 1,000 runners crossed 13 community landmarks over 8 kilometers.
What made this event historic wasn’t just the numbers, it was the power of unity, resilience, and hope that echoed through every stride.
A Marathon Months in the Making
The Unity Marathon wasn’t just pulled off, it was crafted. Months before the race, KOF assembled a team of community leaders, volunteers, security agencies, and health personnel to design a safe, inclusive, and culturally significant event. The route from St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ukpor to St. Anthony of Padua, Osumenyi was chosen for its symbolism: connecting the heart of the people through places that tell their story. Security, medical care, transportation, and logistics were handled with military precision but with a human touch. The goal? Everyone runs. Everyone is safe. Everyone belongs.
Meet the Champions of Unity
Afigbo Esther, a young woman from Plateau State, defied expectations and sprinted her way into history as the first female overall winner, claiming ₦1 million. “Running here made me feel like I belonged,”she said with tears of joy. “This is more than winning, this is being seen.”
Musa Bala Sati, the male winner from Abia State, expressed his gratitude:
“The prize is big, yes but the unity here is bigger. I felt welcomed like a brother.”
Special awards were also given to elderly participants and indigene winners across Nnewi South, Nnewi North, and Ekwusigo LGAs, ensuring every group felt recognized.
Want to help us do more?
Here’s what you can do:
-Share this blog post to raise awareness.
-Support KOF through donations or partnerships.
-Join us in 2025 as we scale our programs to new LGAs and launch more impact-driven initiatives.
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