The first batch of International athletes expected to participate in the 10th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will arrive in the country on February 13, organisers of the race announced yesterday.

About 4000 international athletes are expected to participate in this year’s edition, which marks a decade of the Lagos City Marathon.

The 10th edition, tagged Love in the Air, will hold on February 15, which is within the Valentine Day celebration.

Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management, Mrs Yetunde Olopade, stated yesterday that this year’s event will celebrate a decade of excellence.

“We are expecting the first set of international athletes to arrive in Lagos on February 13,” she said. “We are looking forward to receiving the athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, Morocco, Eritrea, France, Uganda, Italy and Ghana. In all, we are expecting over 4,000 foreign runners and about 100 international elite athletes.

“Nilayo Sports Management and the Lagos Sports Commission is doing everything possible for everyone connected with the marathon to have a memorable event.

“The streets of Lagos will be alive with the spirit of competition and unity, on February 15th, one day after Valentine’s Day. We know that people in some parts of the world experience winter in this month of February, but Lagos usually bring the heat with its vibrant energy and world-class hospitality.

“Whether one is running, cheering, or soaking in the sporting and festive atmosphere, this 10th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will be an unforgettable experience,” she stated.

Olopade also revealed yesterday that the first ceremony leading to the marathon race, an expo event, commenced at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos on Monday.