Lagos Marathon Blends Fitness with Housing Awareness

A property company in Lagos just proved that running races and building homes make perfect partners.

QShelter Limited partnered with The Fitness Religion Company to host the 2004 M00VE Experience, a fitness festival that drew hundreds of participants to the 2004 Estate along Lagos's Monastery Road. The event combined a mini-marathon, fun runs, aerobics, dance sessions, five-a-side football, and strength competitions into one energetic day.

The marathon races were the main attraction. Athletes competed in 5km and 22km distances, split by gender, with Fadekemi Erinle winning the women's 22km race and Gang James and Gyang Sunday claiming men's victories. Aminat Alabi also took home a win in her category.

Erinle praised the organizers for their strong support throughout the race. The well-coordinated event brought together competitive athletes and casual fitness enthusiasts from across Nigeria.

The Ripple Effect

QShelter Chairman Kola Sowande explained the company's bigger vision behind the sneakers and sweat. The event creates awareness about the 2004 Estate development while addressing Nigeria's serious housing shortage through community engagement.

"This initiative is not just about promoting our project, but about creating awareness of the scale and vision behind the 2004 Estate, as well as contributing to efforts to reduce the housing deficit in Nigeria," Sowande said. He committed to making this an annual event that grows each year.

Chief Operating Officer Gbenga Alamu revealed the strategy came from careful research. The team discovered an existing fitness culture in the neighborhood and decided to amplify it by creating a platform that brings people together at scale.

The approach builds more than houses. QShelter is developing a complete community that supports lifestyle, wellness, and long-term value for future residents, not just providing shelter.

Sowande says this is only the beginning of something that will grow bigger and better every year.