Lagos City Marathon best in the world, Hamzat

By JUMOKE OWOOLA

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr.Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat has described the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon as one of the best long distance races in the world owing to its capacity and the atmosphere created by the state government.

The 9th edition of the Gold Label  was held on Saturday, February 10 as the 42Km race began at the National stadium in Surulere and ended at the Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island.

Kenya, Bernard Sang won the 2024 race with the time of 2:16:35 in the male category while in the women category Chala Kebene from Ethiopia came first with the time of 2.41.01. The winners were rewarded with the top prize of 30,000 dollars each.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor said “the Marathon has created an opportunity for people that came from other countries to understand our culture better, make friends here and also have socio-economic impact on the state

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende said the yearly event is getting bigger and better, stating the the collaboration with the sponsor has yielded tremendous benefits. “I’m happy that lagos State and Access Bank collaborate together and through the collaboration we can have multiple economic  event. The Marathon also help the youth to engage in something because most of them are restless, so I will encourage them to get off their feet and take advantage of it to the next level, he said.

Over 81 elite athletes drawn from different countries took part in the 42 kilometers while thousands of runners participated in the 10Km fun race. The 10th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will hold next year, organizers are targeting a Platinum Label for the race ahead of the landmark edition.