Abiola Aremu, an inspiring marathon runner from Iwo, Osun State, has shared her remarkable story of returning to athletics after a 17-year break, proving that it is never too late to rediscover purpose and passion.
Aremu said her love for running started during her primary school days before she became more competitive while attending Iwo Grammar School, Iwo, between 2003 and 2006. However, she stopped running in her final year of secondary school.
Years later, on April 19, 2024, she made a life-changing decision to return to running. What began as a hobby soon became a powerful tool that helped her navigate personal struggles and improve her mental wellbeing.
“I was in a bad mental state, and I remembered how much I loved running as a child,” she explained. “I told myself to just show up as often as I could.”
Determined to rebuild herself, Aremu started running three times a week, leaving home before 6:00 a.m. consistently for over a year. After one year and ten months of training, she entered her first race, a 17.5-kilometre event.
She admitted that one of her biggest struggles was learning how to improve her speed without pushing beyond her body’s limits. It took more than seven months to understand the balance.
For over a year and eight months, she trained without a coach or mentor. Her journey changed when she met another runner during a Saturday long run. The friendship became an important source of guidance and encouragement.
According to Aremu, running has transformed nearly every part of her life. She said it improved her nutrition, mindset, productivity, focus, relationships, personal growth, and how she views the future.
“I feel like I have been given a new life,” she said. “My trust in God and humanity has increased, and I am grateful for the gift of life.”
Looking ahead, Aremu hopes to complete the six major world marathons and inspire thousands of people to embrace fitness and healthy living. She also dreams of joining efforts to sponsor marathons across Southwestern Nigeria.
Speaking directly to women, Aremu encouraged them not to allow age, background, body size, resources, or cultural barriers to stop them from pursuing sports and personal growth.
“Start where you are,” she advised. “Push yourself, stretch more, and give yourself grace. Never give up on yourself because there are better days ahead.”
Her story stands as a powerful reminder that sometimes the journey back to what once brought joy can become the path to a better future.