The first wave of international athletes participating
in the 10th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is set to arrive in Nigeria on
February 13, as confirmed by race organizers.
This year’s edition, which marks a decade of the
prestigious marathon, will feature an estimated 4,000 international runners,
alongside 100 elite athletes from across the globe. Scheduled for February 15,
the event has been aptly themed “Love in the Air”, aligning with the
Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Speaking on the upcoming marathon, Mrs. Yetunde
Olopade, Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management, emphasized that
meticulous planning has gone into making this edition memorable. “We are
thrilled to welcome athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, Morocco, Eritrea, France,
Uganda, Italy, and Ghana,” she said. “Lagos will be buzzing with energy, unity,
and the spirit of competition on race day.”
She also highlighted Lagos as a prime destination for
sporting events, noting that while many parts of the world experience winter in
February, Lagos remains a hub of warmth, vibrancy, and top-tier hospitality.
Pre-Race Events and 2024 Winners
The build-up to the main race has already commenced,
with the first marathon expo kicking off at Teslim Balogun Stadium earlier this
week.
Reflecting on the 2024 edition, Kenyan runner Bernard
Sang emerged victorious, completing the 42km marathon in 02:16:49. In the
women’s category, Ethiopian athlete Kebene Chala secured the top spot, while
Shehu Muazu, the fastest Nigerian finisher, took home a ?1 million cash prize.
Kenyan dominance in the marathon has been evident over
the years, with athletes from the country winning in 2016, 2017, 2020, and
2021. In last year’s edition, Kenyan runners Simon Cheprot and Edwin Kiptoo
finished in second and third place, earning $40,000 and $30,000, respectively.
With the 10th edition of the Lagos City Marathon
promising an unforgettable experience, all eyes are on the city as it gears up
to host some of the world’s finest long-distance runners.
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