Plan your movement: Lagos shuts 13 major roads on Island for Women’s Marathon

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State Government has issued a traffic advisory ahead of the 10th edition of the Lagos Women Run, scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 6:00 a.m.

The 10-kilometre race, organised by the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) in partnership with the event organisers, will begin at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) and finish at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the government said there would be partial road closures along several key routes, including TBS, Water Board, Old NITEL, Outer Marina, Officers Mess, Bonny Camp Bridge, State House, Ahmadu Bello Way, Akin Adesola Street, Falomo Bridge, Falomo Roundabout, Awolowo Road, Onikan Roundabout, and Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Osiyemi explained that the measure is to ensure the safety of participants and other road users during the event, which attracts women from diverse backgrounds and fitness levels.

“We urge motorists to be patient and cooperate with our traffic officials. The restrictions are temporary and will be lifted gradually as the race progresses,” the commissioner said.

He said traffic management officers from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Nigeria Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and Lagos State Neighbourhood Corps (LSNC) would be deployed along the routes to manage vehicular movement and assist motorists.

To ease traffic flow, Osiyemi advised motorists to take alternative routes during the race.

Motorists from Ozumba Mbadiwe Road heading to Third Mainland Bridge are to divert through Bonny Camp to Onikan Underpass, then link Marina Exit to Force Road to connect Outer Marina and rejoin the bridge.

Similarly, drivers coming from Apongbon and heading to Ikoyi are advised to use Odunlami Street to link Igbosere Road, then proceed through Moloney Street to connect Ikoyi Road.

Osiyemi noted that the Lagos Women Run has become an annual highlight in the state’s sporting calendar, promoting fitness, gender inclusion, and social bonding among women.

“The Lagos Women Run is not just about fitness, it’s about empowerment, unity, and showcasing the spirit of Lagos women. We are proud to support this initiative,” he said.

The commissioner assured residents that normal vehicular movement would resume immediately after the conclusion of the event and that adequate security and emergency services would be in place throughout the duration of the race.