Organisers of the annual Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, says the 9th edition holding Saturday, 10th February 2024 promises to be full of fun passion and excitement.
In a world press conference held at the corporate headquarters of Access Bank to herald the 42km race , Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Management Sports Limited, owners of the race, Chief Bukola Olopade explained that they were not only ready to make this year’s race a memorable one but to also showcase the hospitality and rich heritage of the country to the outside world as well as work towards achieving a platinum label.
He noted that the presence of former world record holder, Demis Kipmeto and the Commonwealth champion was a testimony that the race would be an exceptional one just as he stated that many things have been put in place for an amazing race.
The race General Manager, and former Africa record holder in Long Jump for 27 years, Yusuf Ali noted that, the presence of 88 Gold Label runners, was a positive thing for the 9th edition of the Lagos City Marathon, especially as the organisers are preparing for the 10th edition of the race with the biggest prospect of uplifting the race from the Gold Label status to the Platinuum Label.
“Our target is to ensure that our registered world class elite runners help propel the Lagos City Marathon to the Platinuum Label. This is possible with the calibre of runners that will be on the field on February 10.
” If we can produce five elite runners crossing the finish line at 2 hours 8 minutes, we shall most definitely climb to the Platinum Label”, he stressed.
Ali while stating that the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is the only marathon that got silver label within four years, however appealed to World Athletics not to judge the race by the time returned as a prerequisite for upgrading it to platinum label but to consider also the weather of the country and other factors peculiar to Africa before taking a decision.
In his own remarks, Vice President of World Athletics, Jackson Tuwel commended the organisers of the race describing the Access Bank/Lagos City Marathon as not only one of the best in Africa but all over the world.
He expressed hope that the sponsors will continue investing in the race as it goes into 10th edition next year.
Tuwel spoke on the need for a synergy between various marathons in the African continent to make it more attractive and ensure runners are well paid to encourage them.
Also speaking, immediate past President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Chief Solomon Ogba and the present boss of the Federation, Tonibot Okowa expressed hope that achieving platinum label won’t be long in coming just as they appealed to Access Bank to increase support for the highest paid marathon race in Africa.
In his remarks, Director General of Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu promised the continuous support of Lagos State Government to the race positing that all logistics have been put in place for a seamless race and that the state government will ensure that it last the text of time on
Speaking on behalf of Access Bank, it’s Chief Communication Officer, Amaechi Okobi noted that the bank is happy partnering with the race organisers because through it, the world has come to realize that something good can come from Nigeria and Africa.
He also announced that the bank will be introducing Access Women Network race for charity which is aimed at encouraging women to be healthy.
” This year, apart from the 10 and 42 kilometer races, we are introducing Access Women Network race to encourage women to maintain healthy living through sports.
” It will also serve as a charity run and all the money they realize from the race will be donated to charity”, he said
The race, which will attract thousands of runners from all parts of the world, will have 88 elite and 15 refugee runners taking part in the race.
TRAFFIC ADVISORY FOR Y2024 LAGOS CITY MARATHON
The Lagos State Government has issued a traffic advisory ahead of the yearly Access Bank Lagos City Marathon coming up tomorrow Saturday, 10th February, 2024 between 5.00am and 2.00pm.
The following routes will be temporarily unavailable to Motorists during the marathon;
A. Funsho Williams Avenue from Stadium, Surulere
B. Ikorodu Road to Anthony
Gbagada to Third Mainland Bridge
Third Mainland Bridge (Inbound and Outbound)
Dolphin Road to Alfred Rewane Road
Falomo Roundabout to Bourdillon Road
Lekki Bridge to Freedom Way
Akin-Adesola to Ahmadu BelloWay.
Consequently the following alternative routes will be available during the marathon;
Scene 1
Apongbon bridge inwards Eko bridge through Costain Roundabout, Iponri and Bode Thomas for a desired destination or utilize Eko Bridge through Costain Roundabout and Apapa Road to link Oyingbo/Jebba to access Herbert Macaulay for a desired destination.
Scene 2
Motorists can equally go through Victoria Island to link Independence Bridge and CMS bridge to access Apongbon inwards Ijora-Olopa to Iddo and Oyingbo to connect Herbert Macaulay Road to continue their journeys.
For Motorists trying to navigate the Third Mainland Bridge; the 3rd Mainland Bridge will not be available to Motorists from 12.00 tonight till the end of the marathon.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi further hinted that all outbound journeys from Ikorodu Road, Funsho Williams Avenue enroute Lagos Island are exempted from the diversion, adding that Officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority will be deployed to the diversion points for seamless traffic flow and safety of Motorists.
The Transportation Commissioner however advised Motorists who have no serious business along the marathon diversion routes to avoid the areas. He added that movement on the 3rd Mainland will return to status-quo immediately the marathon is concluded.
