Stage set for 10th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

Lagos is about to witness one other historic sporting occasion because the tenth version of the Entry Financial institution Lagos Metropolis Marathon takes place this Saturday.

The organisers have declared the important thing purpose this 12 months is to attain the celebrated Platinum Label standing, a feat that will cement the marathon’s place among the many world’s elite races.

Gunning for Platinum Label

Talking at a World Press Convention in Lagos on Friday, Managing Director/CEO of Nilayo Sports activities Administration Restricted, Yetunde Olopade, expressed confidence in attaining this milestone.

“Our eyes are set on attaining this, which I consider can be a powerful place for Lagos State and Nigeria as a rustic,” she acknowledged. “We have now finished every little thing we will, and I’m optimistic we’ll get it.”

Ms Olopade prolonged her appreciation to the occasion’s sponsors, notably the Lagos State Authorities and Entry Financial institution, for his or her unwavering assist over the previous decade, describing it as “ten wonderful years of robust partnership.”

Countdown to a Landmark Race

The Normal Supervisor of the Entry Financial institution Lagos Metropolis Marathon, Olympian Yusuf Alli, highlighted the race’s evolution, emphasising its proximity to securing the Platinum Label class.

“Our main goal this Saturday is for one of many elite athletes to complete the race in 2 hours and 10 minutes,” Mr Alli defined. “This can be a key requirement for the Platinum Label, and we’re assured in our elite runners to ship.”

Mr Alli added that the marathon has met all of the stipulations for the celebrated recognition and is working exhausting to turn out to be the primary in Africa to achieve it.

“We have now a powerful lineup of elite runners this 12 months. Within the male class, we’ve seven Gold Label runners and two Platinum Label athletes, whereas the feminine class boasts 5 Gold Label runners and one Platinum Label competitor. The World Athletics (WA) rating system has modified, requiring runners to be among the many prime 300, and we’re well-positioned to fulfill this requirement.”

A race in honour of Herbert Wigwe

Overcome with emotion, Mr Alli devoted the marathon’s success to the late MD/CEO of Entry Financial institution, Herbert Wigwe, who tragically misplaced his life in a helicopter crash alongside his spouse and son on the day of the 2024 version of the occasion in the USA.

Greater Rewards

Mr Alli revealed that the prize cash for the Entry Financial institution Lagos Metropolis Marathon would improve if the occasion attains the Platinum Label.

“Once we secured the Silver Label, the prize cash was $30,000. It elevated to $50,000 with the Gold Label. Upon attaining Platinum standing, the prize purse will mechanically improve,” he famous.

Sponsors and Authorities assist

The Group Head of Company Communications at Entry Financial institution Plc, Amaechi Okobi, reiterated the significance of constantly enhancing the occasion.

“We’re comfortable that many sponsors have joined this race, however we should do every little thing attainable to make it even higher,” Mr Okobi acknowledged.

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The Chairperson of the Lagos Sports activities Fee, Lekan Fatodu, affirmed the state authorities’s dedication to supporting the marathon, recognising its world fame.

“This marathon has turn out to be probably the most prestigious races worldwide,” Mr Fatodu remarked. “It gives a platform for cultural trade, permitting our folks to interact with contributors from completely different elements of the world.”

Elite athletes on the town

Already, elite athletes and contributors from the world over have landed in Lagos forward of Saturday’s race.

Throughout a symposium for accredited journalists on the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, Mr Alli reiterated the race’s readiness for a brand new chapter.

“The timing of the athletes is essential for our purpose of attaining Platinum Label standing,” he mentioned. “We have now addressed earlier challenges, similar to water provide, and launched new incentives, together with pacers, to make this version much more exceptional.”

To reinforce the race expertise, organisers have launched three pacers for the lads’s class and one for the ladies’s class.

The Normal Supervisor for the Lagos Marathon elaborated on the technique:

“One pacer will drop out at 30km, one other at 35km, and the ultimate one at 40km. Nevertheless, if any pacer has the endurance, they’re allowed to finish the race and doubtlessly win.”