Months were counting, weeks were running and now days are ticking for the 4th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon which is billed to take taking place on Saturday, February 2nd, 2019.
A press conference held at Sheraton hotel on Friday to unveil plans in place to make the 2019 marathon better on the previous.
At the conference, various sponsors reaffirmed their commitment towards the success of IAAF Bronze label race adding that they are willing to do more to ensure that the race gets even more recognition.
CEO Nilayo Sports Management Limited and Race Consultant of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Honourable Bukola Olopade said he was proud of the numerous gains from the Lagos race so far.
Olopade therefore quick to add that he and his team would not rest on their oars to ensure a better and well branded event
He said, “Sports is a veritable tool for empowerment. We’ve employed over 2000 people each year and engaged vendors. The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has changed the lifestyle of so many people; for instance, we now have more running clubs, which is one of the main purposes of the marathon, amongst other things”.
Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) President, Ibrahim Shehu Gusau said he is expecting better performances from the elite athletes in the race tomorrow:
“I am a happy person because this is happening in Nigeria under the supervision of the AFN. This Marathon is putting Nigeria on the map”, he said.
On his part the Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr Kweku Tandoh restated Lagos State’s commitment to hosting the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.
“We are open to hosting international tournaments, and we hope Lagos State remains the hub of sports in Nigeria because the economic and health benefits are numerous, not forgetting the boosting of our tourism sector. I want to assure you that Lagos is ready, and tomorrow’s event will be bigger and better than the past three editions.” The Lagos sports boss stated.
One of the title sponsors, 7Up, disclosed that have extended their sponsorship for another five years and are proud to be in partnership with the organizers of the Marathon.
Another title sponsor, Revolutionplus Property Development Company Limited promised free plots of land to the Nigerian winners of the 42km race and the Wheelchair category.
Entertainers D’banj and Teni were also present at Friday’s press conference and they have both promised to thrill the fans at the finishing point.
The winner of the men and women’s Marathon will get $50,000 each while 2nd and 3rd place will get $40,000 and $30,000 respectively.
The Nigerian winners will get N3million each while 2nd and 3rd place will get N2million and N1million respectively.
Winners of the 10km race will each get a brand new car from Kia Motors, while the 2nd and 3rd place winners will get N1 million and N750,000 respectively.
In the Wheelchair category, the top finishers will get N1million while 2nd and 3rd positions will get N750,000 and N500,000 respectively.
