15 IAAF gold labeled athletes for Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

Volunteers from U.S., UK signify interest
As the February 11 date for the 2017 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon gets closer, a total of 15 IAAF gold labeled athletes from different parts of the world are said to have signified their interest for the event. Also coming for this year’s edition are 16 bronze labeled marathon runners.

The Chief Executive Officer of NILAYO Sports Management Ltd, Bukola Olopade, told The Guardian yesterday that apart from the athletes, ten volunteers from the United States of America and seven from the United Kingdom have signified their interest to be part of the marathon event.

Olopade, whose marketing outfit is the official consultant to the Access Bank/Lagos City Marathon said that this year’s edition would surpass all marathon races ever staged in this part of the world.

He hinted that among the gold labeled athletes are seven male and four female runners. “All of them are under 2hrs.10 minutes runners.”Olopade, a former Commissioner for Sports in Ogun State said: “There will be great difference in this year’s event because Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode is now the chairman of the Organising Committee, and that has made our job easier. It also means our requirements are meant with ease. His involvement has increased awareness, fun and enthusiasm for the event,” Olopade said.According to him, a total of 80,000 forms had sent out, out of which, 20,000 has been returned by athletes who want to be part of the event.