Former Nigeria worldwide and Olympian, Yusuf Alli, has revealed that the organisers of the Entry Financial institution Lagos Metropolis Marathon will quickly apply for the distinguished Platinum Label standing.
The tenth version of the marathon was held on February 15, with Kenya’s Edwin Kibet profitable the title with an improved time of two:14:19. Final 12 months, the winner, Bernard Sang, additionally a Kenyan, crossed the road in 2:16:49.
Ali, the instant previous Chairman of Edo State Sports activities Fee, whereas talking with The Guardian, yesterday, mentioned: “I’m nonetheless placing collectively my information from the tenth version, and shortly after, we’ll write to World Athletics looking for the Platinum Label standing. It will likely be left for World Athletics to resolve whether or not or not the Entry Financial institution Lagos Metropolis Marathon is sweet sufficient for the Platinum Label standing. For me, we have now performed a fantastic job to get the Platinum Label standing.”
Earlier than Saturday’s tenth version, Alli’s projection was for any of the elite athletes to complete the race at two hours, and 10 minutes, which is among the main standards to get the Platinum Label.
“The Kenyan, Edwin Kibet crossed the end line in 2:14:19, which is an improved time. We did very effectively in another standards, and I really feel World Athletics is proud of us. Seven gold medal runners within the male class, two in Platinum, 5 gold labels for females, and one in Platinum took half within the tenth version. They’re among the many prime 300 runners within the World proper now,” Alli mentioned.
If the distinguished Platinum Label is awarded to the Entry Financial institution Lagos Metropolis Marathon, it will likely be the primary within the Africa continent to realize it.
In the meantime, World Athletics delegates to the marathon have counseled Alli for the profitable organisation of the occasion.
The World Athletics delegates to the marathon had been Anna Molisova, Air High quality Undertaking Supervisor, Olivia Meyonette Sweeney, Nadeem Kamm, and Sadiq Sudan.
Talking after the occasion, the delegates mentioned they had been impressed with the technical organisation of the race, admitting that it was at par with what obtains worldwide.
“The technical organisation of the marathon is at par with the very best races on the earth. We commend Alli and his implausible staff for doing a very good job,” the World Athletics staff mentioned.
The staff additionally counseled Alli for his good thought of beginning the race early, which enabled the runner to run quick instances regardless of the tough climate.
“Regardless of the new climate, the primary runner nonetheless crossed the end line in underneath 2 hours quarter-hour. If Alli had organised this race in Berlin or any metropolis with pleasant climate, the winner would most likely end quicker than he did.”
