As part of efforts to raise awareness about asthma and improve access to treatment, Theodore Ogedegbe and Enumjekonaishu Jude, founders of the Run4Breath Asthma Awareness Campaign, will embark on a 126-kilometre endurance challenge across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The duo will, from August 10 to 15, 2026, attempt to complete six half marathons of 21.1 kilometres each across six states in six consecutive days.
The campaign is aimed at increasing public awareness about asthma, educating Nigerians on the condition and raising funds to provide life-saving asthma inhalers and essential asthma kits to patients who cannot afford them.
Speaking on the initiative, Ogedegbe said the campaign was beyond a fitness challenge, but a mission to save lives.
“This is more than a running challenge. We want Nigerians to understand that asthma is real; it affects millions of people, and many patients struggle to afford life-saving inhalers and treatment. Running 126 kilometres in six days across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones will be physically demanding, but we are determined to complete the challenge because the cause is bigger than us,” he said.
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Jude said the campaign had attracted strategic partnerships and sponsorships from organisations committed to improving asthma care in Nigeria.
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He disclosed that the CIDO Asthma Foundation would provide free medical consultations, asthma inhalers and essential asthma kits to patients in Ibusa, Asaba, Okpanam, Ogwashi-Uku and surrounding communities in the South-South during the campaign.
Jude also acknowledged the support of several individuals and organisations, including the Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Foundation through its healthcare arm, CIDO Asthma Foundation; the Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON; Super Falcons Captain Rasheedat Ajibade through the Rasheedat Ajibade Foundation; PCN Sportiva LP; The Football Law Annual Moot (FLAM); WomanTheTrailblazer Outreach; MC Funny Nurse brand; Julatamo Travels and Tours; Let’s Give Foundation; Nox Pacific Hotel, Asaba; Medusa Nightlife, Asaba; RunKaduna; and My Race Time, the official race partner.
He, however, called for more support from corporate organisations, healthcare institutions, running clubs, fitness communities and members of the public.
“Whether through sponsorship, partnership, donations or simply helping to spread the message, every contribution will help us provide life-saving asthma care to people who need it most,” Jude said.
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Beyond the physical race, the organisers have introduced a virtual challenge to enable runners, walkers and cyclists from Nigeria and other parts of the world to participate.
Participants can run or walk between 21km and 126km, or cycle a minimum of 40km, from August 10 to 23, 2026, through the My Race Time platform.
The organisers said participants would receive digital race bibs and certificates while contributing to the campaign’s goal of providing asthma care for underserved patients.
The Run4Breath Asthma Awareness Campaign aims to demonstrate the role of sports in promoting public health advocacy and improving access to essential healthcare services.
