Organisers of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, which is returning to the state on February 6 after 30 years, have revealed that they want to use to event to drive the economy of the state.

The marathon is an initiative of the Lagos State Government sponsored by Access Bank with other partners including Eko Atlantic, Eko Hotel & Suites and Lucozade Sport.

According to a statement by the organisers, the Lagos City Marathon is an international event that would promote sports as well as tourism, fitness, competitiveness and healthy living. It also offers participants $500,000 in cash prizes.

The statement reveals that just like the “Boston Marathon, the world oldest annual marathon event, the Lagos Marathon has been put together to boost the economy and the tourism of Lagos State. It is expected to attract over 50,000 spectators.
The paramount goal of the event is to promote wellness and fitness of Lagosians with the reward of cash prizes.”

The Guardian recalls that while unveiling the event recently, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, said, “when we say you should live in Lagos, work in Lagos and enjoy in Lagos, we mean that we are going to put tourism, entertainment, arts and sports together for excellence; that is what I have been preaching and that is what we are going to work on…”