The 2018 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon looks set to beat the attendance record of the 2016 and 2017 editions as over 50,000 runners have signified their intention to compete in the race slated for February 10, 2018, by collecting the race forms.
In 2016, over 50, 0000 runners participated while 73,000 competed in the 2017 edition; organizers are anticipating between 100,000 to 120,000 runners for the 2018 edition.
There are many new attractions making thousands throng the Teslim Balogun Stadium Marathon Office and Access Bank branches nationwide to collect forms for this edition.
The marathon route has been certified by athletics and road races governing body IAAF/AIMS. The route was certified by Norris Williamson, a grade A measurer, who measured the marathon route for the Atlanta, Athens and Beijing Olympic games and several other marathons and road races.
The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is now an IAAF Bronze Labelled Road Race, therefore, any athlete who competes in the race and returns a world-class time becomes a Bronze Label runner.
Apart from the above, the prize money for Nigerian participants in the race has received a remarkable boost.
While they have the opportunity to win the general prize money with other nationals, there is the exclusive Nigerian winner prize money, which is now increased to N3 million from N1 million.
The race Official Automobile Partner is also giving away two cars, to the first male and female Nigeria runners to cross the finish line, in the 10-kilometre race.
General Manager of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Yusuf Alli clarifies that Nigeria in the 10-kilometer race refers to all residents of Nigeria.
“A British, Chinese, Egyptian or another other national of the over two hundred countries in the world who live in Nigeria, work and pay tax in Nigeria is eligible to win the cars like any other Nigerian but foreigners or Nigerians resident abroad who came just for the marathon are not eligible, it’s strictly for Nigerian residents.’’ He said.