Shades of Us at the 2025 Charity Half Marathon

Shades of Us at the 2025 Charity Half Marathon Hosted by Run Club Abuja (with Support from Norrenberger) on July 12, 2025

By Cynthia Umeh

Guess what I did on July 12, 2025? I ran a Marathon!

Oh yes, you read that right! I laced up my sneakers, grabbed a bottle of water, and joined the amazing Run Club Abuja for their Charity Half Marathon, and wow, what a day it was!

Now, before you ask, “Wait, is this your first time doing this?”—the answer is nope! We have done this before. In 2023 and 2024, Shades of Us joined Run Club Abuja for their 3rd and 4th edition of the charity run. We walked 10KM in support of a community affected by leprosy right here in Abuja for the 4th edition and helped raise a whopping ₦8.5 million out of a ₦10 million target. We were so proud to be part of that impact!

But this year? This year hit differently—in the best way!

The 2025 Charity Half Marathon was all about giving students at Government Secondary School, Gwagwa, Abuja, a chance to dream bigger. The goal was to raise ₦10 million to build a fully equipped computer lab and digital library for the school. That is right; new tech, faster learning, digital tools, and more opportunities for kids who truly deserve it.

The run itself was so much fun! From the moment we gathered at the starting point, you could just feel the excitement in the air. People were stretching, laughing, taking selfies, and hyping each other up. The energy was unmatched. It was not just a run, it was a vibe. 

The best part? The kids from Government Secondary School were right there at the finish line, cheering everyone on with big smiles, handmade signs, and so much love. Seeing them clap and shout for runners (and walkers like me) made it all worth it. It gave us an extra boost, especially towards the end when our legs were like, “Girl, why are we still running?” 

And guess what? We did it! Together with Run Club Abuja and the support of Norrenberger, we raised the full ₦10 million. Every step we took brought us closer to helping those students access digital tools, learn in new ways, and prepare for bright futures. The joy on their faces said everything.

There is something magical about combining movement with meaning. We were not just running for fun (though it was a blast!); we were running for change, for hope, and opportunity. 

At Shades of Us, we are all about using sports and community action to uplift others. And this marathon? It was a perfect example of what happens when people come together for something bigger than themselves.

So yes, my day was sweaty, silly, a bit sore, but most of all, unforgettable.

Will I do it again? 1,000 times, yes. See you at the next run!

More Photos of Shades of Us at the 2025 Charity Half Marathon Hosted by Run Club Abuja (with Support from Norrenberger) on July 12, 2025