Meet Babatunde (Baba) Adedapo
Age: 40
Event: TCS Sydney Marathon 2025 – August 31
Fundraising for: Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation
“I’m Baba Adedapo — an American with Nigerian heritage, a proud father of two little girls, and someone who’s lived with glaucoma since infancy.”
Baba’s journey began when his mother noticed he wasn’t responding to visual cues as a baby. He was diagnosed with glaucoma and underwent surgery on both eyes. Since then, he’s managed his condition with the support of his ophthalmologist, Dr. Narang Kalla, at the Wilmer Eye Institute (Johns Hopkins, Maryland, in America).
Despite not having the “typical” endurance athlete background, Baba has completed:
- 2 full-distance Ironman triathlons
- 7 half-distance Ironman triathlons
- 5 marathons — including New York, Chicago, and Tokyo World Majors.
When searching for a charity to support, Baba found the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation through an online search and felt a strong connection to its mission.
Baba shares,
“My ophthalmologist suggested physical activity greatly helps with vision, so it just felt right to run for a great purpose and close to my heart.”Inspirational words by Baba, “If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you.”
While Baba doesn’t have a specific goal to complete a marathon on every continent, he says:
“I generally don't have a longing to finish a marathon in every continent, but if it happens — that would be nice.”
We wish Baba the very best as he prepares for the TCS Sydney Marathon on August 31. His story and commitment to sight-saving care inspire us all.
🔗 Support Baba’s fundraiser here:
https://sm25.grassrootz.com/sydney-eye-hospital-foundation/babatunde-adedapo
