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Top world-class athletes and 12,000 others are expected in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, February 6, for the 42.195-kilometre Lagos City Marathon.
The total prize money for 60 winners in the different categories of the tournament is N92 million.
While the winner of the first prize will smile home with $50, 000, the second prize winner will get $40, 000, while the third prize winner will get $30, 000.
In the Nigerian category, first prize winner will get N1 million; second prize, N750, 000 and N500, 000 for third prize.
The Lagos City Marathon is expected to be declared open by the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, while the President of International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), Lord Sebastian Coe with his other counterparts from over six countries are expected to grace the event.
Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, who disclosed all these at a joint press briefing by the Ministry of Information and Strategy and the State Sports Commission at the State Government Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja said out of the over 100, 000 forms made available, 12, 000 athletes have already confirmed participation, adding that 60 international participants in the male category have been confirmed, while a total of 20, 000 participants are expected to register.
He said out of the 20 gold class marathoners in the world, 18 have already confirmed their participation in the male category, while 6 gold marathoners in the female category have also confirmed participation.
He said the international participants would be coming from countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Bahrain, Eritrea, Morocco, Cameroun, Uganda and India, while about 120 professional athletes in Nigeria will slug it out with their foreign counterparts in the tournament.
The Commissioner disclosed that the starting point of the marathon would be at the National Stadium in Surulere by 7am, and would move through Western Avenue, Ojuelegba bridge, Jibowu bridge, Ikorodu Road, underneath Anthony bridge, underneath Maryland bridge, Ojota, Alapere, 3rd Mainland bridge, Osborn Avenue, Ikoyi bridge, Admiralty way, Lekki Concession Toll Gate, Ozumba Mbadiwe, 1004 Estate, Ahmadu Bello Way, Federal Palace Hotel, Silverbird Galleria, NTA, Bar Beach and then terminate at Eko Atlantic.
Ayorinde said the Ministry of Health would provide medical services, and that there would be ambulances at strategic locations to take care of any emergencies.
He said his Ministry would coordinate the awareness of the State Government concerning the tournament, while the Ministries of The Environment and that of Transportation would monitor and ensure proper cleaning as well as the routes to be used by the participating athletes.
He said the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), together with other traffic management agencies would be in charge of the alternative routes already created for commuters who may like to go about their normal business activities.
He further disclosed that adequate security measures have equally been put in place, adding that there have been provision for permanent and static mobile deployment of 100 security personnel to cover each vulnerable points such as the pre-event venue and hotel accommodating the foreign athletes and guests for 10 days prior to the event.
Also speaking at the briefing, Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports and Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Deji Tinubu, said the security personnel were drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Department of State Security, while five boats will also be deplored.
Tinubu disclosed that in line with the commitment of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, there are plans for the event to hold yearly, and that the ultimate goal is that it should be the biggest marathon event in Africa, and permanently be logged on the IAAF time table.
