“My primary goal is to engage meaningfully with members of the host community along the marathon routes.”

Dayo Akinbode came to run the Congo River Marathon as her 121 st marathon and to see the Congo River. Read more about her running motivation, her experience of the race and Kinshasa, her love for African Rivers and her mission as a proud Nigerian to use her running platform to promote Nigeria and its culture.

Congratulations on reaching your 121st marathon! What initially inspired you to start running marathons?

I did not initially plan to start running; running was something that found me unexpectedly. My journey began when my former company, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, introduced the Global Corporate Challenge (GCC) to the  workforce. The challenge required employees to record a minimum of 10,000 steps daily. The more steps you recorded, the higher you climbed on the leaderboard. Not one to stay at the bottom, I aimed to log as many steps as possible each day.

I quickly discovered that achieving a high step count through walking alone required more time than I could afford. To meet my daily goal more efficiently, I decided to take up running. Running allowed me to accumulate steps faster, fitting them into my busy schedule.

As I became more immersed in the running community, I started learning about marathon running. I discovered that completing a marathon is a significant achievement, with only 1% of the population managing to finish the 42.195km distance. This statistic intrigued and motivated me. I decided that I wanted to run at least one marathon, not just for the personal accomplishment, but also to join the ranks of that dedicated 1%.

Running so many marathons requires immense dedication. What keeps you motivated to continue running and pushing your limits?

I have always loved traveling and had seized every opportunity in the past to explore new places. I had already accomplished my goal of completing a marathon in Dubai when I embarked on a trip to Tanzania to run a half marathon and climb Mount Kilimanjaro. While in Tanzania, I met a fascinating group of serial marathoners. Listening to them share stories about the various places where they had run marathons, I felt a spark of inspiration. Their passion and experiences opened my eyes to the possibility of combining running with my love to travel.

That encounter was a turning point for me. I realized that running marathons could be more than just a personal challenge; the sport could also be a unique way to explore the world. Inspired by their tales of global marathons, I decided to embark on my own journey, running marathons in different locations around the world.

Nowadays, even after running so many marathons in 84 countries, my desire to see more of the world drives me to keep running marathons in new and exciting places. Each race is not only an athletic endeavor but also an opportunity to experience different cultures, landscapes, and communities. This combination of travel and running fuels my passion and keeps me motivated to explore more of the world, one marathon at a time.

Can you share a particularly memorable or challenging marathon experience that has had a significant impact on you?

Every marathon is different and unique in their own way, making  the  decision to determine which of the marathons I have run  is the most memorable or challenging a difficult decision . However, there is one marathon where I did not manage to cross  the 42km finish line: the Alpine Marathon in Liechtenstein. I registered for the event without fully understanding the rigorous nature of the course, which involved significant climbs and multiple checkpoints. I only realized the true extent of the challenge ahead at the running bib pickup. 

Despite this oversight, I pushed through and crossed all the checkpoints within the time frame up to the last milestone at the 25-kilometer mark. The event was structured as the Alpine 25 plus 17, meaning participants could either finish at 25 kilometers or continue to the full marathon distance of 42 kilometers. I had to make a tough decision when I arrived at the 25-kilometer point. The remaining 17 kilometers involved even more grueling climbs, and I wasn't confident in my ability to complete them. 

Rather than risk injury or overexertion, I decided to settle for the 25-kilometer result and quit the race there. This experience taught me the importance of thoroughly researching and preparing for each marathon, and this experience remains a significant and humbling part of my running journey.

What has been your experience running the Congo River Marathon 2024? How does it compare to other marathons you've participated in?

My experience running the Congo River Marathon 2024 was truly unforgettable. The highlight for me was the opportunity to interact with the local communities along the route. The warmth and support of the Congolese people left a lasting impression on me.

I typically avoid comparing marathons because each one offers unique experiences and present their own set of challenges. However, the Congo River Marathon stood out due to the distinctive setting and the rich cultural interactions  facilitated.

I extend my gratitude to the organizers for bringing this remarkable event to the heart of Africa. Their efforts made the event exceptional.

The joy of engaging with locals along the course

How have you found exploring Kinshasa? Are there any particular highlights or experiences that stood out to you during your visit?

I have discovered that traveling like a local provides invaluable opportunities to interact with the residents of my host community, allowing me to observe and learn from them firsthand. During my stay in Kinshasa, I opted for an Air BnB in the Yolo area, which brought me into close contact with the Kinshasans. This proximity gave me a genuine glimpse into their daily lives and culture.

However, I found the city’s atmosphere to be quite overwhelming. The intense vehicular and human traffic, high noise levels, and general lack of cleanliness were more than I had anticipated. This came as a surprise to me, especially considering that Kinshasa is the third largest city in Africa, following Cairo where I have lived and coped well in the past  and Lagos, where I currently reside.

Of particular surprise was the fact that there were right hand steering vehicles and left hand steering vehicles plying the same road. My  brain  could not  process that fact and I found it unbelievable that a Lagos city girl like myself  could not  cross Kinshasa streets unaided. I could manage crossing Lagos streets by looking Left, Right and Left again but I could not  cross Kinshasa streets by simply looking left, right and left again.  I had to look left, right, north, south, east, west, south east, south west, north east , north west and left again because there were buses and taxis and motorbikes from all corners of the streets. I found this very chaotic and admired people who could just dash across the streets.

As a proud Nigerian, how do you use your running platform to promote Nigeria and its culture?

As a proud Nigerian, I use my running platform to promote Nigeria and  her culture by showcasing the positive aspects of our country. Nigeria, like any nation, has the good, the bad, and the ugly sides, but unfortunately, many people are only aware of the negative aspects. Through my platform, I aim to change this perception.

One of the ways I do this is by unfurling the Nigerian flag at the finish line of my races. This act often sparks curiosity and conversations about our country. Additionally, I make a point to interact with members of the host community wherever I run, helping them get to know me and, by extension, an average Nigerian. I often tell people that by seeing and knowing me, they are seeing and knowing the average Nigerian.

I also share my running experiences on social media, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Nigeria’s landscapes and highlighting the resilience and spirit of our people. My goal is to emphasize the positive aspects of our culture and people, providing a more balanced and authentic image of Nigeria to the world. This has generated significant interest, and to date, people from 14 different countries who follow my platform have visited Nigeria to experience our culture firsthand.

This approach not only promotes physical fitness but also fosters a sense of pride and unity among Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora. By presenting a more nuanced and positive portrayal of Nigeria, I hope to challenge stereotypes and encourage others to see the true, multifaceted nature of our country.

What aspects of Nigeria do you wish more people knew about, and how do you incorporate these into your marathons or public engagements?

There are several aspects of Nigeria that I wish more people knew about, and I actively incorporate these into my marathons and public engagements to help spread awareness

Nigeria is home to over 300 tribes, each with its unique traditions, languages, and cultural practices. During events, I often speak about the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, encouraging people to appreciate our diversity.

Nigeria boasts stunning landscapes, from the lush greenery of the Niger Delta to the rolling hills of the Jos Plateau and the sandy beaches of Lagos. I incorporate scenic routes and excursions  in the the Ile-Ife Heritage Marathon I organize,  to showcase these beautiful sites. I also share photos and videos of these landscapes on my social media platforms to give people a glimpse of Nigeria's natural beauty.

Nigerians are known for their hospitality and warmth. I emphasize this by engaging with the local communities wherever I run, demonstrating the friendliness and generosity of the Nigerian people. I also encourage international runners and visitors to experience this hospitality firsthand by inviting them to join our  local events and interact with Nigerian communities.

By incorporating these aspects into my marathons and public engagements, I aim to provide a more balanced and positive image of Nigeria. This not only helps to challenge stereotypes but also fosters a deeper appreciation and understanding of our country among people from around the world.

Your love for exploring African rivers is quite unique. What sparked your interest in these rivers and especially the Congo River? 

I have always had a deep passion for history and geography. These two subjects have consistently unveiled the richness of our world and the intricate ways in which our world has evolved over time. My fascination with the stories of the 14th-century explorers, who bravely navigated the great rivers of Africa to penetrate her vast interior, has been particularly profound.

The tales of these explorers ignited my imagination and instilled a yearning within me to witness firsthand the seven major African rivers that served as vital arteries for their journeys. These rivers— the Nile, Niger, Benue, Congo, Orange, Limpopo  and Zambezi are not just bodies of water but historical pathways that opened the heart of Africa to the outside world. I have always dreamed of experiencing the grandeur of these rivers, understanding their significance in African history, and appreciating their role in the cultural and economic development of the continent.

The allure of these rivers lies in their immense historical importance and their natural beauty, each with its unique ecosystem and surrounding landscapes. By visiting these rivers, I hope to connect more deeply with the continent’s past and gain a better understanding of how these waterways have shaped the lives and histories of the people who live along their banks.

You are also a race organizer in Nigeria. What motivated you to take on this role?

After having run a number of marathons in different countries and met a number of runners who wanted to run a well organized marathon in Nigeria, I realized there was a vacuum that needed to be filled.  Ile-Ife Heritage Marathon was founded in 2018 to fill that vacuum.

What challenges have you faced in organizing races in Nigeria, and how have you overcome them? How do you see the future of marathon running and race organizing in Nigeria? What steps are you taking to grow and improve the running community there?

In organizing races in Nigeria, I have faced several challenges, but each one has presented an opportunity for growth and improvement. One of the main challenges has been infrastructure limitations, including ensuring adequate road closures and  traffic management. To overcome these challenges, we have forged strong partnerships with local authorities and  community leaders who share a commitment to enhancing the race experience. Collaborating closely with these stakeholders has enabled us to streamline logistics and ensure participant safety and comfort.

Another significant challenge has been finding sponsors. Our small field event has been self sponsored but is now growing beyond self sponsorship.This has required increasing visibility and securing sponsorship support which are essential for the sustainability and growth of our events. We are expanding our network of sponsors and partners who share our commitment to promoting health, wellness, and community spirit through running.

Looking ahead to the future of marathon running and race organizing in Nigeria, I see immense potential for growth and development. The increasing popularity of running as a sport and fitness activity, both locally and globally, presents opportunities to attract more participants and elevate the standard of our events. To capitalize on this momentum, we are  focusing on a few  key initiatives.

After completing 121 marathons, what are your future goals and aspirations in running and beyond?

Over time, my running goals have evolved significantly. Initially, my focus was primarily on achieving specific finish times in races. However, my priorities have shifted. Nowadays, while I still aim to finish my races within the designated cutoff times, my primary goal is to engage meaningfully with members of the host community along the marathon routes.

This shift in focus has enriched my running experience, allowing me to connect with diverse cultures, traditions, and people in a profound way. I cherish the interactions and exchanges that occur during these events, as they provide a deeper understanding of the places I visit.

Additionally, I aspire to run a marathon in every country or as many countries as possible, subject to financial constraints due to the rising costs of air travel. This broader goal reflects my passion for exploring new cultures through running and embracing the global running community.

Despite the logistical and financial challenges involved, I remain committed to pursuing these goals with enthusiasm and determination. Each marathon I participate in not only contributes to my personal growth as a runner but also strengthens my appreciation for the diversity and beauty of our world.

How do you hope to inspire the next generation of Nigerian runners and adventurers?

In inspiring the next generation of Nigerian runners and adventurers, my goal is to set a compelling example and foster opportunities that ignite passion and ambition. The establishment of the Ile-Ife Run Club exemplifies this commitment, providing a platform where runners unite and train together. I am excited to witness the club's growth and evolution, envisioning the club as a catalyst for nurturing future champions and adventurers across Nigeria.

Follow Dayo’s adventures on her blog: www.fogadventures.com and instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayoakinbode.