On April 26, 2026, broadcaster Ore Oduba will step onto the starting line of the TCS London Marathon, but for him, this event is far more than a test of endurance or a notch on a runner’s belt. Instead, it stands as a singular act of tribute, a deeply personal journey in memory of his late sister, Lola, whose life and tragic passing have profoundly reshaped his perspective. As Oduba has made clear in recent interviews, this marathon is a one-time pledge—an act of remembrance and resolve that he is determined never to repeat.
Oduba’s decision to run the marathon is anchored in heartbreak and hope. Last April, his sister Lola died by suicide, a loss that sent shockwaves through his family. Lola had discovered a passion for running during the lockdown, finding solace and joy in the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other. According to Oduba, this transformation in his sister inspired him to take on a challenge he once considered impossible. "I always said I’d never take on this challenge," he confessed, his voice tinged with emotion. But after Lola’s death, he felt compelled to act. As he recounted in a tearful interview, "I’m gonna have to run the bloody marathon for you, aren’t I?"
For Oduba, the marathon is more than just a race—it’s a public, physical extension of private grief. He’s not just running for himself, but for Lola, for his family, and for a cause he holds close to his heart. He has chosen to raise funds for Smartphone Free Childhood, a charity dedicated to combating the negative impact of technology on young lives. This mission resonates with Oduba on a personal level, as he has openly discussed his own struggles with the influence of technology and the challenges it poses for today’s youth. "If we don’t protect our kids and educate ourselves," he warned, "we won’t have done our job."
Oduba’s preparation for the marathon has been anything but casual. He’s undergone months of gruelling training and a complete lifestyle overhaul, pushing through physical exhaustion, illness, and even an Achilles tendon injury. "I don’t know that I’ve ever done anything harder," he admitted, underscoring the toll the process has taken on his body and his daily life. Despite the setbacks, his determination has never wavered. The memory of Lola, particularly the last Mother’s Day they spent together and the stories he’s heard from her friends, has been a constant source of motivation. "Oh, my sister’s so proud of me," he shared, his words echoing the bittersweet nature of his journey. "It was amazing hearing stories about them from their friends; it’s so lovely when you hear someone talk about you through other people."
What makes Oduba’s marathon effort unique is his insistence that it is a one-off event. He has stated emphatically that he will not turn marathon running into an annual tradition. For someone who once found the idea of long-distance running "triggering and impossible," this 26.2-mile challenge is a finite, meaningful act—a way to honor Lola’s memory and, perhaps, to find some measure of closure. "This is something I’ll never, ever forget," he concluded, making it clear that the experience will stand alone in his life’s narrative.
The cause Oduba champions—Smartphone Free Childhood—reflects broader concerns about the pervasive influence of technology on young people. The charity campaigns to "fight against big tech," aiming to raise awareness about the risks of smartphones and social media, including increased rates of depression and bullying among children. Oduba’s advocacy is rooted in personal experience. He’s spoken candidly about the challenges he’s faced navigating the digital world, and he hopes his marathon effort will shine a spotlight on the need for greater education and protection for children. According to BBC, Oduba believes that "the pervasive nature of smartphones and social media poses serious risks for young people."
As the marathon approaches, Oduba’s focus is less on finish times and more on the emotional significance of the day. He plans to embrace the experience fully, surrounded by family who will be there to cheer him on. "The river of emotion will be unstoppable," he joked, acknowledging the weight of the moment and the flood of feelings he expects to encounter. For Oduba, the true victory will be crossing the finish line knowing he has honored Lola’s legacy and contributed to a cause that matters deeply to him.
The symbolic nature of Oduba’s run has not gone unnoticed. As reported by various outlets, his one-off entry into the marathon transforms the event from a personal challenge into a public act of commemoration. The media attention generated by his participation is expected to bring increased visibility to Smartphone Free Childhood, potentially boosting donations and sparking broader conversations about children’s safety in the digital age. For the charity, Oduba’s involvement is a powerful endorsement, while for the public, it’s a poignant reminder of the ways in which grief and hope can intersect.
Throughout his training, Oduba has experienced moments that have deepened his connection to Lola. He recalls running a half-marathon where the time on his watch seemed to echo her memory, and he often reflects on the last Mother’s Day they spent together. These moments, both big and small, have reinforced his commitment to seeing the marathon through to the end. The journey has not been easy—he’s faced physical pain, emotional exhaustion, and the ever-present ache of loss—but he remains resolute. "The marathon is both a personal challenge and a tribute to Lola," he explained, "aiming to raise awareness about children's safety in the digital age."
As Oduba prepares to take his place among thousands of runners in London, he does so with a sense of purpose that transcends the usual motivations for marathon running. This is not about personal bests or athletic achievement; it’s about honoring a loved one, confronting grief head-on, and using his platform to make a difference. The finish line, for Oduba, represents more than the end of a race—it’s a milestone in a journey of healing and advocacy.
When the dust settles and the crowds disperse, Oduba’s marathon will stand as a testament to the power of love, loss, and determination. It’s a story of one man’s effort to turn tragedy into action, and of a family’s enduring bond in the face of heartbreak.