February 12, (THEWILL) – The Lagos state government has expressed its readiness to host the world on Saturday, February 12, 2022, when the 7th Access Bank/Lagos City Marathon takes place.
Sola Aiyepeku, the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), said preparations were in place to ensure that all participants, both local and international, enjoyed the tournament. He added that the LSSC was working in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth World Athletics event.
Lagos state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is expected to participate in the one-day marathon, has given the organisers his full support, according to Aiyepeku, as he insisted that the race will be bigger and better-packed than past editions.
“I can tell you that we are ready for the 7th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon,” the LSSC chairman assured.
“Despite the fact that we are still having issues with the global COVID-19 pandemic, we have put all necessary machinery in place to hold the marathon in compliance with all health safety measures.
“All relevant agencies of the Lagos State Government have been drafted to ensure that the marathon is held hitch-free.”
According to Aiyepeku, the Teslim Balogun stadium in Surulere, where the event’s registration centre is located, has been a hive of activity as many Nigerian competitors have flocked in to register and pick up essential souvenirs for their participation in the competition.
The 7th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will feature competitors from all walks of life and from all over the world, he said, adding that the 10km physical race, 10 km virtual race, and 42km physical marathon will all be back this year.
Unlike the Y2021 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, which featured 300 athletes in the 42km race and other members of the public participating in the virtual 10km race on the FiNerge app, the Y2022 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is open to all members of the public.
The 10km virtual race will be held again using the FiNerge app, according to Aiyepeku, who also revealed that the 10km physical race will begin at Grace Gardens Event Place, Bisola Durosinmi Etti, Lekki Phase I at 10 am and end at Eko Atlantic, while the 42km physical race will begin at the National Stadium, Surulere at 6:30 am and end at Eko Atlantic.
The Executive Chairman emphasised that the event’s organisers have implemented stringent COVID-19 measures to protect all participants’ health and urged everyone involved to follow the rules to the letter, adding that crowd control measures have also been devised to protect participants and reduce overcrowding.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
