Access Bank Lagos City Marathon gets CAA permit, agency test runs routes

Speaking on the progress made the organizing committee of the marathon on Tuesday, Tinubu said the CAA has been satisfied by the programme and quality of work done so far in the planning of the event, adding that the event would soon get certification from the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF).

According to Tinubu, “Managers for the race’s routes are in place, just as water points and all the major landmarks are in place. We have also been assured by LASTMA, the Police and the essential agencies of their readiness for the marathon and I want to inform you that the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation and LASTMA have had a test run of the routes.”

He confirmed that 31 elite athletes from eight countries have signed on for the marathon, including 24 men and seven women. 

“Of the 24 men marathoners, 11 have IAAF gold label and nine of them are from Kenya. They are Abraham Kiptom, Peter Kiptoo Kiplagat, Amos Mitel, Sammy Kipkorir Kibet, Simpson Pkanaan Limareng, Nelson Kirwa Rotich, Kipkemboi Hosea, Philip Kiplagat Biwott Kenya and Isaac Kipkeboi Kosgei.

“The other two gold label athletes, Mehair Fesshaye and Ali Abdosh Muhammed, are from Eritrea and Ethiopia.

“Of the eight IAAF silver label men marathoners on the list, four are from Kenya; they are James Cherutich Tallem, Mathew Bowen, Linus Kipwamdok Chumba and Daniel Kipchirchir Komen.

“Other silver label marathoners are Mohamed Qumaarir    and Khalid Lablea both from Morocco, the two others are Solomon Biratu from Ethiopia and Ghirmay Tukabo from Eritrea.            

“Three of the five IAAF bronze label marathoners that are coming to Lagos are also from Kenya. They are Ednah Kimayo, Amos Koech and Ogla Jerono. Cameroon and Bahrain complete the men’s list with Foimi Justilin and Birhanu Yemata,” he revealed.     Tinubu also disclosed that four of the seven women elite marathoners coming to Lagos are from Kenya, two from Ethiopia and one from Uganda.

He added: “Two of the Kenyan women marathoners have IAAF gold label, they are Alice Timbilil and Leah Jebet Kiprono.