Vikash Agarwal and his wife, Pooja Agarwal, were among the participants at the Valentine edition of the Lagos City Marathon, completing the 10km race together and sharing their experience with Sports247 after crossing the finish line.
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Speaking shortly after the race, Vikash confirmed that this year marked his second appearance at the marathon and noted clear improvements compared to the previous edition.
“I think the arrangements are good,” he said. “Last year it was very sunny, but today, by the grace of God, even the weather is too good. It was really fun and entertaining to complete this 10km.”
The couple revealed that they have consistently competed in the 10km category over the past two years, gradually building endurance without rushing into the full marathon distance.
“We have been doing only 10km from the last two years,” Vikash explained. “But we will try to increase the kilometres small, small.”
Asked what motivated them to participate together, Vikash pointed to fitness and the shared experience of the event. “It’s for fitness, for exercising, also to wake up early, come out, see people, and have a good time together with other friends,” he said, adding that while they do not run daily, they maintain an active lifestyle through walking and regular exercise.
Pooja Agarwal also reflected on her experience, describing a noticeable difference between her first and second appearances at the race. “Last time it was too sunny, so it was very difficult,” she recalled.
“That was my first time, but this time is my second time, so I’m a little bit experienced—how to do, what to do. First time, anything we do is difficult, but second time we are mentally prepared.”
She credited the favourable weather and early arrival for making the outing more enjoyable. “This time the weather is very nice, so it was a very good experience,” Pooja said.
The couple also recorded a significant improvement in their finishing time. According to Vikash, they completed the race in about one and a half hours, compared to nearly three hours during the previous edition.
“Last year we took almost two and a half to three hours, but this time we finished within one and a half hours,” he said.
After completing their run, the couple remained at the venue awaiting their son, who was also taking part in the event with friends.
Looking ahead, both Vikash and Pooja expressed enthusiasm about returning for future editions of the marathon. “Yes, definitely,” Pooja said. “We will come next time
