Most fitness clubs come with an almost mechanic social pattern, emphasising an astute operating module that priorities services or resources that facilitate physical fitness. Essentially, the working ethos radiates a stern approach to customer satisfaction leaving little run for a communal
atmosphere, or establishing wholesome, intimate connection—it is just a fitness club. The Èkó Runners Club is a shift from your typical fitness club. It provides the essential resources and services needed to fulfil your fitness desires, but it is also emphatic about establishing
connections. Their differential factor gives them depth, a complexity that somehow fills a void often not mentioned in the fitness world.
In our interview with co-founder, Oghenetega Akintola. We’re particularly interested in their working dynamics and just how well they integrate routines that encourage togetherness and a tight network of likeminded individuals.
- Let’ s meet the Eko Runners
1. Is there a story that properly describes the inspiration behind bringing the club to
life?
I’ve always been a sports person and gymnastics has been a big part of my life for years. Somewhere along my fitness journey, I met Olachukwu, who’s now the co-founder of Èkó Runners Club. She’s an active, adventurous, curious fitness babe, and she’s always open to trying new things. We naturally clicked and started doing workouts and runs together, just pushing each other to be better. Overtime, we both knew we wanted more, not just fitness for fitness' sake, but a community built around movement and intention. We wanted to create something that encouraged people to show up for themselves, even if just once in a while, outside the usual cycle of work, TGIF, and weekend turn-ups. After series of shared Instagram reels, cool videos of running
communities across the globe full of joy and togetherness moving through their cities with purpose. We kept sharing them with each other until one day we just said: why not us? So, we decided tostart small: just one day a week, inviting people to come run with us. From those first few runs, Eko Runners Club started to take shape and it’s been growing beautifully ever since.
2. Lagos is densely populated with competition. What challenges did you face at the
beginning, and how did you overcome them?
We didn’t start Èkó Runners Club to try to compete. We just wanted to connect but Lagos is a lot. One of the biggest challenges was consistency in a city that isn’t always predictable. People are busy, traffic is wild, and life is expensive. So, we had to be super intentional. Sometimes, we
were just three, but we still ran anyway. We kept showing up, and people started to trust us and the space. Another big challenge was — and still is — the lack of safe, structured running spaces in Lagos. A lot of people want to try running, but struggle to find secure, accessible places to do so.
We’ve had to work around that by picking controlled environments, and right now, we’re actively seeking permits and approvals to run in places like Eko Atlantic and Unilag because they offer better safety and structure. We also listen to our runners. We introduced different kinds of runs that
accommodate the average Lagosian, lol. We also split clubs to different locations, so runners can participate closer to home. We currently run on The Island, in Banana Island, Circle Mall, on The Mainland, Unilag and Ikeja Chapter. It gives people options which makes showing up a little easier.
3. What is Eko Runners' differentiating factor? What makes your brand different?
We’re not just a running club, we’re a community. We care about people’s lives beyond the kilometres. We also put a lot of heart into the culture of our runs—our energy is different. From our curated playlist, down to the post-run convos. It's wholesome, it’s soulful, it's Lagos but lighter.
It's about being present, connecting and release. We also recognize that wellness goes beyond movement. It’s not every day run, rest is good, too. So, we organize wellness and social events that cater to our members' mental, emotional, and physical needs. Let’s just say, we know how to make
the most of our rest days too.
4. You've had some exciting collaborations, and a number of notable guests join your sessions.
Were there any standout or memorable moments?
Yes! We’ve been lucky to have some beautiful partnerships, and we’re genuinely grateful to everyone who’s collaborated with us so far. We’re always open to more impactful connections in the future, but one that really stands out was our Èkó Runners Club x EightysKitchenLagos x Puma Running collaboration. That day felt amazing. Runners from different parts of Lagos showed up. Some had never met before, but the vibe was so seamless, like we’d all known each
other for years. Even though we have a WhatsApp group that connects us digitally, that in-person energy reminded us just how powerful movement can be. It wasn’t just a run; it was a reminder that unity can start with something as simple as showing up and moving together.
5. Do you think fitness culture is evolving in Lagos, and do you think your brand is
contributing to these changes?
Absolutely. There’s a real shift happening — people are beginning to prioritize wellness as a lifestyle and not just a means to chase aesthetics. The running culture in Nigeria, particularly Lagos, has truly taken off. It feels like everyone is running nowadays and that’s beautiful to see. Èkó Runners Club has become a soft entry point for a lot of people who never considered themselves “fit” or athletic. We’ve created a space where showing up as you are is enough. We’re
redefining what fitness looks like, who it’s for, and how it can feel. It doesn’t have to be intimidating or performance-based, it can be soulful, communal and a lot of fun.
6. What plans do you have for the future? Is expansion something you're possibly
considering?
Definitely. Myself and Olachukwu still have ideas brewing, ideas that go way beyond just running. We still share reels with each other, lol. The vision keeps evolving, but one thing that stays constant is our passion for building a full ecosystem around fitness and wellness. We’re looking at more
structured runs across Lagos, expanding our chapters, collaborating with more fitness and wellness brands, and maybe even launching our own line of running gear that actually makes sense for ourweather and our people. We also want to create content that feels real and relatable, stories that
reflect who we are, the joy we find in movement, and the community we’re building around it. So yes, expansion is in the works but impact is the real goal!
7. How well do you think your brand promotes health and fitness?
I think we’re doing the best we can with what we have and we’re doing it with intention. At Èkó Runners Club, we’ve made a conscious effort to be accessible. We don’t gatekeep, we don’t shame, and we definitely don’t make fitness feel like it’s only for a select few. We accept you the way you are — no pressure to be the fastest or fittest. As Nigerians would say, “we listen, we don’t judge.” Whether you're a beginner or deep in your athletic era, there's space for you here. Promoting health and fitness for us goes beyond just running; it’s about building consistency, building routines, and feeling supported in your journey.
8. If you could materialize your dreams for Èkó Runners Club, what would be your
vision for the brand?
A space — physical or digital— where anyone in Africa and beyond can find their entry point into wellness. We see Èkó Runners becoming a cultural touchpoint. A movement that’s both aspirational and grounded. Our dream is that someone in Port Harcourt or Nairobi hears about us, feels seen, and decides to lace up their shoes—that’s the vision.
9. The relationship Èkó Runners have with its members looks intimate. It seems like the bond
between everyone is beyond fitness, what do you think causes and maintains this?
We’re friends first as much as we’re runners. We lead with our hearts. From day one, it’s been about connection, not clout. People open up on our runs. We start talking about pace one minute and end up talking about lives and putting people on as much as we can. We celebrate birthdays,
check in on each other, pull up for each other outside of runs. Our community isn’t forced — it’s nurturing, and we’re intentional about protecting that energy.Èkó Runners Club is more than just a fitness club, it is intimacy, it is closure, it is space to network and connect. You enjoy the benefits of traditional fitness spaces, whilst also having a medium to release emotional tension, and enjoy a camaraderie of likeminded individuals. Èkó Runners Club is a testament to how organic tractions can foster communities and underscores how positive, large- felt impacts can be made without saturated social media tactics and heavy marketing. They remind us that meaningful changes grow with time and consistency. Èkó Runners Club is redefining
Nigeria’s fitness space, and it is really interesting to see how they do it and the mechanics behind why they thrive. Their success is eminent, their presence will be felt spaces, and their reach will know no bounds. Èkó is running on the track of success, and we can just watch in awe as they reach the finish line.
