By Peter Omopo
With just five days to go before the starting gun fires on February 14, excitement is mounting across Lagos ahead of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, one of Africa’s most prestigious road-running events.
Elite athletes are fine-tuning their race strategies, while residents and visitors prepare to line major routes across the city to witness a competition renowned for endurance, prestige and substantial prize money.
Organisers have confirmed an attractive prize purse for this year’s edition, aimed at drawing top international and local runners. The overall winner is set to take home $50,000, with additional rewards earmarked for podium finishers and outstanding performances across several categories, promising a fiercely contested race.
The marathon is also expected to attract a host of prominent figures from the sports and public sectors. Among those billed to attend are Presidential Spokesperson and Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare; Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko; and former Super Eagles midfielder, Seyi Olofinjana. They will be joined by sports administrators, ex-internationals and corporate partners.
Beyond the competition, the Lagos City Marathon has evolved into a major convergence point for athletics stakeholders from within and outside Nigeria, further cementing its place on the continental athletics calendar.
As the countdown continues, attention is turning to which runner will best cope with Lagos’ demanding conditions — balancing pace, heat and pressure — to emerge victorious on race day.
