No fewer than 12,000 runners have registered for the Lagos City Marathon, among who are 24 gold-labeled world-class marathoners. Among the 24 are 18 out of the 20 best world long distance runners in the men category and six out of the 20 of the world’s best in the women division.
Revealing the arrangements for the race yesterday, Lagos State government assured that all was set for a hitch free event on February 6, 2016.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, told reporters that out of the over 100, 000 forms made available, 12, 000 athletes have already confirmed participation, adding that 60 international participants in the male category have been confirmed, while a total of 20, 000 participants are expected to register.
Organisers of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon want to make it as big as the New York City Marathon.
Ayorinde said the international participants were from Kenya, Ethiopia, Bahrain, Eritrea, Morocco, Cameroun, Uganda and India, while about 120 professional athletes in Nigeria would slug it out with their foreign counterparts in the tournament.
The Lagos Marathon is expected to be declared open by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, while the President of International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), Lord Sebastian Coe, with his other counterparts from over six countries are expected to grace the event.
The Commissioner disclosed that the starting point of the marathon would be at the National Stadium in Surulere by 7.00 a.m., and would move through Western Avenue, Ojuelegba bridge, Jibowu bridge, Ikorodu Road, underneath Anthony bridge, underneath Maryland bridge, Ojota, Alapere, Third Mainland Bridge, Osborn Avenue, Ikoyi bridge, Admiralty Way, Lekki Concession Toll Gate, Ozumba Mbadiwe, 1004 Estate, Ahmadu Bello Way, Federal Palace Hotel, Silverbird Galleria, NTA, Bar Beach and then terminate at the Eko Atlantic.
According to Ayorinde, the distance of the marathon is 42.195km, while the total prize money for 60 winners in the different categories is N92 million.
He affirmed that the first prize winner will smile home with $50, 000, while the second prize winner will get $40, 000, with the third prize winner to get $30, 000.
In the Nigerian category, the first prize winner will get N1 million; second prize, N750, 000 and N500, 000 for third prize.
Speaking on the specific roles of government agencies, Ayorinde said the Ministry of Health would provide medical services, and that there would be ambulances at strategic locations to take care of any emergencies.
He said his Ministry would coordinate the awareness of the state government concerning the tournament, while the Ministries of Environment and that of Transportation would monitor and ensure proper cleaning as well as the routes to be used by the participating athletes.
He said the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) and other traffic management agencies would be in charge of the alternative routes already created for commuters, who may like to go about their normal business activities.
He disclosed that adequate security measures have been put in place, adding that there would be permanent and static mobile deployment of 100 security personnel to cover each vulnerable point, such as the pre-event venue and hotel accommodating the foreign athletes and guests for 10 days prior to the event.
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