Lagos City Marathon attracts over 81 elite athletes

Ahead of the 9th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, billed to hold on Saturday, February 10, the organisers have confirmed the participation of over 81 world class elite runners and 15 refugee runners from the United Nations. The General Manager of the Lagos City Marathon, Yusuf Ali has said out of the 81 elite athletes […]

Ahead of the 9th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, billed to hold on Saturday, February 10, the organisers have confirmed the participation of over 81 world class elite runners and 15 refugee runners from the United Nations.

The General Manager of the Lagos City Marathon, Yusuf Ali has said out of the 81 elite athletes who all possess Gold Label badges, 52 are male while 29 are female runners.

He added that their participation would help uplift the status of the race from Gold Label to the Platinum Label in the next edition.

“Our target is to ensure that our registered world class elite runners help propel the Lagos City Marathon to the Platinum Label.

• NIGERIA DAILY: Nigeria Vs South Africa, Not a Mere Game -Analysts
• Japa: FG builds migrant centre for Nigerians willing to return from Europe

“This is possible with the calibre of runners that will be on the field on February 10. If we can produce five elite runners crossing the finish line at 2 hours 8 minutes, we shall most definitely climb to the Platinum Label,” he said.

He mentioned former world record holder Demis Kipmeto on 2 hours 02 minutes and 57 seconds, Kelkile Gezahegan (Ethiopia) on 2 hours 05 minutes and 56 seconds, Kiptoo Edwin on 2hours 06 minutes and 52 seconds and female runners like Valary Jemeli (Kenya) on 2 hours 19 minutes among the top athletes for the race.

Ali also disclosed that the event would be used to select qualifiers for the next edition of the Olympic Games, Paris 2024.