Some of the world’s best marathoners are expected to compete in the second edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon slated to hold on February 11, 2017, to coincide with the Lagos State 50th anniversary celebrations.
At least 50,000 runners are expected to participate in the event as disclosed by the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode at a world press conference held on Sunday, 20th November, at the Banquet Hall of the Lagos House in Alausa, to herald the event.
Also in attendance were representatives of the lead sponsors of the Marathon including the Group Managing Director (GMD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, and the Managing Director of Seven-Up Bottling Company, Sunil Sawhney, as well as the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Solomon Ogba.
It will be recalled that the maiden edition of the event was staged on 6th February, 2016, with 33,373 runners registering for the marathon, which was the first of its kind held in the country in 30 years.
While delivering his address, Ambode re-affirmed his commitment in ensuring that the Lagos City Marathon becomes a permanent feature in the state’s calendar.
He said: “Our aim is for the Lagos City Marathon to be the best in Africa, and with the support of the good people of Lagos State, we can put this competition on the world map. We plan to make this year’s edition bigger and better so that it can become one of the Top 10 marathons in the world.
“The Lagos City Marathon has already encouraged the running culture in Lagos and has empowered more institutions to join us in making Lagos the Centre of Excellence in sports. Lagos State is fully committed to making sure that this event continues, that is why I am here with some of the lead sponsors.”
The Governor also disclosed that the competition is hoping to get International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and Confederation of Africa Athletics (CAA) labels before 11th February. He also promised that Certificates of Honour signed by him, would be given to every participant, while pledging to beef up security this time around.
Meanwhile, the Access Bank GMD/CEO Wigwe said: “Lagos is the commercial centre of Nigeria and we want to communicate to the world that the state is safe and secure to do business. This will drive tourism which will in turn boost the economy of our country. Not much credit has been given to Africa regarding things that have to do with sustainability, and we want to change that narrative using the Lagos City Marathon.”
AFN President Ogba revealed that the three of the Top 10 male marathoners in the world, and two of their female colleagues will compete at the event which will have an elite field comprising of about 60 athletes, with the contracts expected to be signed this week.
The 2016 Lagos City Marathon was ranked 2nd in Africa and 71st in the world.
