The 2020 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon as announced by the organisers and sponsors, guaranteed it to be a spectacular during the media parley held recently at the Press Center, Lagos State secretariat, Alausa.
Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Ltd and the consultant to the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Bukola Olopade, confirmed the new status of the Lagos Race which has now been accorded a Silver Label and he thanked everyone who has contributed to the huge success.
In his speech, Olopade noted; “I am very glad about the success we have recorded as far as the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is concerned, I remember when we wanted to start this journey four-five years ago, not many gave us a chance to succeed but under five years we have become the first marathon that has been given a Silver Label”.
“We are very grateful to the Lagos State government for their unflinching support, our headline sponsor Access Bank as well as the other sponsors who have all been unrelenting, I can assure you that we would not be reduced on the standards we have already set but instead, expect an even better race in 2020,” the former Ogun States Sports Commissioner assured.
In addition, he announced that the sponsors have already purchased over 50,000 forms for runners while a good number of people have independently paid to be part of the fifth edition of the Lagos marathon.
In attendance also at the event, the Head, Communications & External Affairs at Access Bank Plc, Ameachi Okobi, said the bank is very happy to be part of the success story that the Lagos Marathon has become.
He said: “We have found this platform incredible not just in terms of return on investment but we are helping to change the narrative of Nigeria and even Africa that something good and worthwhile can indeed come from this part of the world.
“When you think about a marathon, so many things come to mind, the road, security, the runners and other things but since edition one till four, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has not recorded any major incidence and that is not a mean feat.
“I can boldly say this marathon is now a major fixture in every serious runner’s calendar so it means we are doing a lot of things right and we can only get better.”
The Lagos State Sports Commission, Sola Aiyepeku, reiterated the support of the state government, as he noted that the event has manifold positive effects and benefits.
He said: “I am proud to be part of the first Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, I must say I am happier that it has grown bigger than we ever imagined in less than five years”
“Lagos State will always support events like this, apart from helping improving tourism, the youth in the state now look forward to this annually. And not to forget, i must commend Nilayo Limited because they have helped revive the culture of marathon and it is now spreading across Nigeria”
On a last note, in confirmation by the General Manager for the Marathon, Yusuf Alli, he noted that a good number of Gold and Silver Label runners have been confirmed for the 2020 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City billed for February 8.
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