By JUMOKE OWOOLA
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.
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