TheCable

Organisers of the Access bank marathon say they are expecting to have another great event on Saturday.

Speaking at a press conference in the state on Friday, Bukola Olopade, project manager of the marathon, said the event which had a “humble beginning” was already becoming the toast of runners across the globe.

He said the organisers would strive to make the race a silver label by adding more incentives to attract more elite athletes.

Olopade added that the race has already provided over 2,000 direct jobs with other economic values.

“I can say that the race that has a humble beginning although we are still humble and remain humble is getting the attention of the world,” Olopade said.

“We are grateful for the milestone recorded in this event; we have been able to turn our deficiency to strength by taking note of our previous shortcoming to stage a better event.

“What my previous speaker said about the race is true because the race has become more popular and has the features of entertainment, tourism and sports, more than that, it has generated employment.

“We can say that with the help of our host, the Lagos State Government, this race has in its employ over 2,000 people among other volunteers, so, this means that the race is economically viable.

“It amazes me that a race that is barely three years old will be competing with old marathons and even compare to them, it is a great achievement, yet we will remain humble with that.

“We are grateful to the sponsors of this event and the host, Lagos State Government for its support, without them we are nothing, the support from the governor is tremendous.

“We are expecting to have another great event come Saturday and I am sure many of the athletes will go home with beautiful experience from Nigeria.”

Winners of the marathon will go home with $50,000, while the first runner-up will get $40,000 and second runner-up, with $30,000. The winner of the 10km race will go home with a brand new KIA Rio car.