TheCable

Over 4000 runners from 42 countries have registered to participate in the 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

Olukayode Thomas, head of communications and media for the marathon, said the figure does not include over 200 professional runners mostly from Asia, Europe, America, Kenya, Ethiopia and other East, Central and South African countries.

He said the US has the highest number of visitors coming to Lagos for the race slated for February 2, 2019, with the Japanese a close second.

Other countries whose citizens have registered include Holland, Germany, Israel, Poland, England, New Zealand, Canada, Egypt, Austria, Tunisia, Norway, Denmark.

Thomas is optimistic that the number will increase before the close of entries in January 2019.

In the first edition of the marathon in 2016, about 100 runners from 15 countries participated, in 2017 there were over 1000 runners from 20 countries and the 2018 edition had over 2000 runners from 30 countries.

Bukola Olopade, the marathon’s consultant, attributed the increase to governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s initiatives and beautification of Lagos since he was elected into office, noting that he has made the state tourist-friendly.

“We thank Governor Ambode for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon which is driving a high number of tourists to Lagos annually but apart from the marathon his beautification of Lagos and other laudable projects like the One Lagos Fiesta and others have turned Lagos State into a tourist destination,” he said.

Olopade said the 2019 marathon will be better than the previous editions in several areas.

He said: “This year, we are expecting about one hundred and fifty thousand runners, I can assure you that we are planning for more than figure, we have expanded the recovery areas and medals and certificates that will go round all the runners, entertainment, as usual, will be world class, this edition will be an experience of a lifetime for runners and spectators.”