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Organisers of the Detty December Marathon have said the initiative is designed to advance the development of the wellness industry while strengthening community participation across a wellness-driven community and engagement platform.
Speaking on News Central’s sports programme, ‘In The Game’, Aloysius Anagonye, a Nigerian-American former professional basketball player and Founder of ACAN International, a management consulting firm focused on leadership and performance improvement, explained that the marathon goes beyond physical exercise, with a broader goal of building a sustainable wellness ecosystem that connects fitness, health services, lifestyle brands, and small businesses.
“One of our key focuses is wellness and sports industry development—both in Nigeria and across the continent,” he said. “This year, the emphasis was on activation—using workouts and shared experiences to bring the community together.”
The event was a festive workout session led by Lagos-based celebrity fitness trainer Kemen, bringing together participants for an energetic, community-focused wellness experience at Onikan Stadium, Lagos.
A former member of Nigeria’s national basketball team (D’Tigers), Anagonye said the workout session was a deliberate step toward building a full marathon.
“While we are still building the marathon itself, we felt it was important to first meet the community where they are,” he said. “This workout session allowed us to engage directly and explain the vision. Next December will be about the marathon run.”
He stressed that inclusivity remains central to the initiative.
“This is not just about youth. It’s for everyone—the moms, dads, brothers, sisters, and even young children. Wellness is collective.”
Looking ahead, Anagonye, who is the Co-Founder of Active Boulevard alongside Hon. Dr Elizabeth Idoko-Okogun, revealed plans to expand the initiative into a large-scale, city-wide wellness festival.
“This year was about activation. Next year, we want the community to come out fully—turning it into a city-wide wellness celebration where people run, walk, move, and connect.”
The event drew strong support from a cross-section of wellness, lifestyle, and institutional partners, reflecting a growing alignment between public institutions and private-sector stakeholders around wellness as a core element of urban living rather than a passing trend.
