The international event, which has given a major boost to Lagos Tourism, is now certified a Bronze Medal marathon, with its routes officially measured, and with a goal to achieve Gold label within the next two editions.
Being an event certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), it is expected that tourists around the world will troop in massively for the event.
It is only of the 88 certified marathons out of the over 500 in the world.
According to organisers, over 50,000 athletes participated in 2017; about 100,000 participants (both elite, indigent and non-elite) are expected for the 2018 edition.
For its Bronze Medal status, athletes who qualify and participate in the race are automatically recognized and eligible for the Commonwealth Games.
The President of the Bobsled & Skeleton Federation of Nigeria, Solomon Ogba, has attributed the success of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon to the vision of Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.
Ogba, who was President of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria between 2009 and April 2017, said: “Lagos has all the ingredients to host a world-class marathon. As President of AFN, I approached many officials of the Lagos State Government, but they didn’t welcome the idea.
“A few weeks after Ambode was sworn-in, I was still the head of AFN then, Nilayo Sports Management Limited sold the idea to him and he bought into it immediately,” he said.
Ogba said because Ambode saw into the future, he bought into the idea the moment it was sold to him and as a result, today, Lagos State has one of the fastest growing marathons in the world and it is the biggest one-day event in Africa.
“The IAAF and AIMS have a special interest in the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon so if you see their top officials at the third edition, don’t be surprised.
“Lagos is one of the few marathons in the world that got an IAAF Label after just two editions. This is a rare feat. The event had over 50,000 runners at the first edition and over 73,000 in the second, this is something you rarely find in any part of the world’’ said Ogba.
The President of the history-making Bobsled & Skeleton Federation of Nigeria urged other Governors and corporate bodies to emulate Gov. Ambode and Access Bank.
“Nigeria does not have enough marathons and road races, Ambode and Access Bank have taken the lead with the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon. I urge other governors and corporate bodies to emulate them; we need more races in Nigeria. New York State alone has over 70 marathons and road races in a year.
Our political and business leaders must embrace marathon even if it for the health benefits alone,’’ he said.
Top 10 Attraction Sites for Access Bank Lagos Marathon Tourists
The third edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will be held on the 10th of February, 2018. The event is expected to gather tourists attention worldwide. Here are a few locations to visit during and after the event.
Third Mainland Bridge
The Third Mainland Bridge is the longest bridge in Africa and the longest of three bridges in Lagos, Nigeria. There is the Eko Bridge, the Carter Bridge, and then the Third Mainland Bridge, connecting Lagos Island to the mainland. It starts at Owonronshoki and ends at the Adeniji Adele Interchange on Lagos Island. Measuring about 11.8 km long, the Third Mainland Bridge was built by Julius Berger Nigeria and opened in 1990 by then President Ibrahim Babangida.
II Badagry
Badagry houses the first storey building or upstairs building in Nigeria – built by missionaries in 1842 and overlooking the Marina waterfront. Badagry is located off the Gulf of Guinea and used as a harbour to keep African slaves transported to Brazil in the 15th century. It was annexed by the British in 1863 and became a part of Nigeria in 1901, it remains the vestige of slavery in Africa and has a museum that tells the slavery story.
iii. National Museum
The National Museum stocks the most significant collections of West African antiquities in the world. It is over 50 years old, having been established in 1957, just some years before Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
National Arts Theatre
Built and then commissioned in 1977, the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos is a cultural center with halls and rooms constructed for various cultural events and activities in Lagos state. It is also ideal for public holiday visits and great for weekend relaxations amidst stimulating events.
V. Silverbird Cinema and Galleria
The Silverbird Cinema and Galleria is located at Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island, Lagos, and a modern facility for a shopping experience that you can only find in developed countries of the world. It houses several cinema companies, with the Silverbird cinemas located in the multi-purpose building. There is a spacious facility on the ground floor which can be used for dance competitions, parties, and other amusing events that require a crowd. You can also find bookstores, boutiques, a bowling center, and several other entertainment and lifestyle services at this galleria.
vi. Lekki Conservation Centre
Managed by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, the Lekki Conservation Centre has a large area of wetlands and wildlife animals like crocodiles, monkeys, exotic birds, and other animals that you can see when you visit early in the morning or late in the evening. There is also a library and a conservation centre.
vii. Oniru Private Beach
Located in Lekki, the Oniru Beach is great for public holiday visits and weekend leisure. You can swim in the Atlantic Ocean and ride horses on the white sand beach. You may want to visit one of these days.
viii. Eleko Beach
Although you cannot compare the Eleko Beach in Victoria Island to the beaches and islands in Phuket, Bali, or Tioman, the truth remains that this is one of the best beaches to visit in Lagos on a weekend with family and friends for some natural relaxations.
ix. The African Shrine
Once owned by the late afro music maestro Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the African Shrine is one place you must visit if you cherish weekly live performances by one of Fela’s most energetic sons, Femi Kuti. Femi performs every Sunday night with his array of backup female singers, and you can also watch him rehearse every Thursday if he is available and not away on international tours. Visit the African Shrine to enjoy the legendary beats of the late Fela brought to live again.
x. Jhalobia Recreation Park and Gardens
The Jhalobia Recreation Park and Gardens is located between the Hajj Camp and Ajao Estate along the Muritala Mohammed International Airport Road, Lagos. Visit this place for a tranquil garden experience in a park you wouldn’t believe existed in Lagos.
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