Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has successfully completed the Houston Half Marathon, finishing in an impressive 2 hours and 53 minutes, despite challenging conditions.
The Governor, known for his commitment to fitness, completed the race under freezing temperatures of 1°C, demonstrating both physical endurance and resilience.
The Houston Half Marathon, held on January 20, 2025, saw Makinde surpass his previous personal best time from the Berkeley Half Marathon two years ago, showcasing significant improvement in his running performance.
In addition to the half marathon, Governor Makinde also participated in a 5k fun run held the day before, which he completed in 38 minutes. His participation in both events highlights his enthusiasm for physical activity and wellness.
Makinde took to social media to express his satisfaction with the achievement, sharing his joy with followers and noting the tough weather conditions.
“Though conditions were tough with freezing temperatures, I finished faster than the Berkeley Half Marathon, which I ran about 2 years ago,” the Governor wrote.
This achievement adds to the Governor’s growing reputation for promoting healthy living and setting an example of personal dedication, both within Oyo State and beyond. His participation in such events continues to inspire many to prioritize physical fitness and well-being.
Governor Makinde’s completion of the Houston Half Marathon is not only a personal milestone but also a reminder of the importance of perseverance, regardless of the challenges one may face.
Meanwhile, a senior official at Splash FM, the organisers of the Ibadan City Marathon, expressed disappointment over the governor’s indifference.
“Well, the governor has the right to participate in any race he deems fit, but he has never taken part in the Splash FM Marathon. If he had participated, he would have posted it on social media like he is doing with this latest one.
“I wonder why people are making a lot of noise about this latest one; he has been doing it over the years,” the official told PREMIUM TIMES.
The official also debunked claims that the Oyo State government financially supports the Splash FM Marathon, stating, “I saw people saying online that the government has been sponsoring the Splash FM Marathon. The government has never sponsored the race.”
Beyond the Splash FM Marathon, other running initiatives in Oyo State have struggled to gain traction. 
The Ibadan Marathon, a collaborative effort between the Oyo State government and Savvy Events, was scheduled for November 2024 but failed to materialise.
This lack of execution raises questions about the state’s commitment to fostering a fitness culture and promoting community-focused events.
Governor Makinde’s apparent preference for international races over local ones has made critics question whether his actions align with his administration’s goals.
At a press conference in September 2024, Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wosilat Adegoke, represented the governor and emphasised the significance of the Ibadan Marathon.
“The Ibadan Marathon is an opportunity for runners, families, and spectators to unite in celebration of sportsmanship and community spirit. Through this event, we demonstrate our commitment to public health, active lifestyles, and progress,” she said.
Despite this rhetoric, the marathon never came to fruition, leaving many to wonder whether the governor’s participation in global events overshadows the potential growth of grassroots initiatives within his state.
Attempts by PREMIUM TIMES to speak with Ms Adegoke to shed light on the botched Ibadan Marathon or any other initiative in place by the state geared at encouraging participation in road races were abortive.
Calls and messages sent to her phone number were not responded to while filing this report.
Many believe that Governor Makinde’s active support of local marathons would have been a powerful statement of leadership and encouragement for his constituents.
