​2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon:  IAAF Road Races Manager, Other Top Stars Arrive Today (Wednesday)
The IAAF Road Races Manager, Alessio Punzi is expected to arrive in Lagos today (Wednesday) for the fourth edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon slated for this weekend.

Aside from Punzi, Norrie Williamson, an IAAF/AIMS Grade A measurer will also be coming in from South Africa for this year’s race.

Williamson who helped secure certification for the Lagos marathon route is a course measurer for over three decades.
He measured the course for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, 2000 Sydney Olympics, Athens 2004 Olympics and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

According to a statement from Olukayode Thomas, the Head of Communications and Media for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, other elite athletes from across the world that would be part of this year’s marathon will also be arriving from their different bases later today.

For the 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, as much as 35 Gold, 13 Silver and 12 Bronze Labelled Runners have already registered to be part of the event.

Among many other big names, David Barmasai Tumo from Kenya who won the 2011 Dubai Marathon will be competing at the 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

Also, his compatriots, Jacob Kibet Chulyo, Moses Kigen Kipkosgei are in the mix for action as well as Samuel Gebremichael who now does his thing for Australia.

The female field also boasts of some of the top runners in the world including the likes of Agnes Jeruto Kiptocich who finished as runners up in the 2017 Paris Marathon.

Caroline Cheptanui Kilel winner of the 2011 Boston Marathon, as well as Georgina Rono and Risper Jemeli Kimayo, are all pencilled down to run at the Lagos Marathon.

Yusuf Alli, the General Manager for the Lagos Marathon, expressed delight at the interest being shown by the big names to run in Lagos and he is quite positive that a new course record will be set on Saturday.
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The Media Seminar to herald the 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon took place on Monday at the Sports Bar of the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Journalists interested in covering the 2019 race had a fruitful session with the organizers as well as other resource persons present to share their experiences and what is expected from the media practitioners at this weekend’s race.
Yussuf Alli the General Manager for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon thanked journalists for all their support since the inception of the Lagos race while he also shared some of the new measures being put in place to allow for another seamless race this year.

“ We are grateful to the journalists for all their good work, but we have introduced some new rules for this year’s race particularly at the start point and the finish.” Skippo as he is fondly referred to revealed.

Alli stated that among other things, the IAAF rules will be strictly followed this year; hence journalists must give the runners at least a two-minute break before they can be granted any sort of interview.

The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon GM also enjoined journalists to contact the Athletes Representatives before race day if they are hoping to get more incisive interviews from the elites coming to participate at this year’s race.
On his part, Hon Bukola Olopade who is the Race Consultant thanked the journalists for always putting the organisers on their toes and helping them get better with each edition.

“ I can assure you that this edition of the race will be much better than the previous one we have had,” he said
For Olopade, it is not a mere coincidence that more people across the world are identifying with the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

“For this year, we already have over 4,000 that have registered from other countries outside Nigeria; including America, Australia and other parts of the world. Each year, we strive to get better and correct the mistakes we notice, and we are glad of how far we have come” Olopade noted.

Also present at Monday’s seminar was the AAC Presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore who challenged journalists to get fully involved in initiatives like this as it also helps their own fitness.
Sowore who has participated and finished at least 8 marathons emphasised the need for journalists to be more detailed in their reportage.

Others who spoke at the media seminar were Mr. Steve Osuji, Rose Eyenike and Chairman of the Lagos State Branch of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN Debo Oshundun.

The Brand and Communications Manager Nilayo Sports Management Limited Damilola Pedro and Abdul Imoyo, the Head Media Relations Access Bank were also present at the Seminar where awards were also given to three distinguishing journalists. 

The stage is set for the 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Media Seminar as speakers/ resource persons are ready to rub minds with media practitioners; especially those that would be covering this year’s race.

The Media Seminar which will be taking place at the Sports Bar of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos would start by 9.30am with a short inspection of stands at the Marathon Expo also ongoing in the stadium.

In a statement issued by, Olukayode Thomas, Head of Communications and Media for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, he assured that the media seminar will not only be very educative and informative, but it would also allow for the media men to improve on their skills.

“Yes, all the arrangements are in place for another successful media seminar, we introduced this last year and we are improving on it with the calibre of speakers and resource persons we have invited to speak with the media who have been partners in progress as far as the marathon in Lagos is concerned” he said.

As earlier announced, the Presidential Candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC) as well as a serial marathon runner, Omoyele Sowore is top on the list of the speakers at the 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Media Seminar.

Sowore who has participated in several marathons across the world including the Lagos race will be sharing his experience in road races.

Also, Dr Kweku Tandoh, Executive Chairman Lagos State Sports Commission will also be attending Monday’s media seminar and would be speaking on Lagos State Government and Future of Marathons and Road Races.

On his part, Hon. Bukola Olopade, Race Consultant Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will shed more light on how the Marathon Became a Global Brand within Three Years while Mr Solomon Alao Chairman Lagos Athletics Association Chairman will reel out plans by the Association to boost tourism and trade with Marathons and Road Races in Lagos.

Roseline Eyenike; a Marathoner will speak on Expectations of Runners from Journalists after completing the gruelling 42 km race.

Another speaker expected at Monday’s seminar is Mr Steve Osuji: Member Editorial Board The Nation Newspapers and Author Not too Old to Run.

Debo Osundun; Chairman Lagos SWAN as well as Yussuf  Alli General Manager Access Bank Lagos City Marathon who will intimate journalist on the Dos and Don’ts of 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will all be present.

Aside from the short lectures at the media seminar, the first set of award winners who will be rewarded for their reportage of the Lagos Marathon will also be unveiled and honoured.

Accreditation tags to successful applicants who applied to cover this year's marathon will also be distributed at the end of Monday's media seminar.

2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: Sowore, Others To Speak At Media Seminar
The Presidential Candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC) as well as a serial marathon runner, Omoyele Sowore has been confirmed as one of the speakers at the 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Media Seminar.
The Media Seminar is billed to take place on Monday, January 29 at the Sports Bar at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

In a statement issued by Olukayode Thomas, Head of Communications and Media for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Sowore who has participated in several marathons across the world including the Lagos race will be sharing his experience in road races.

Aside from Sowore, other carefully selected resource persons will also be speaking at the Media seminar.
According to Thomas, some of the other speakers for Monday’s Media Seminar include Dr Kweku Tandoh, Executive Chairman Lagos State Sports Commission who will be speaking on Lagos State Government and Future of Marathons and Road Races.

Also, Hon. Bukola Olopade, Race Consultant Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will shed more light on how the Marathon Became a Global Brand within Three Years.

On his part, Mr Solomon Alao Chairman Lagos Athletics Association Chairman will reel out plans by the Association to boost tourism and trade with Marathons and Road Races in Lagos.

Roseline Eyenike; a Marathoner will speak on Expectations of Runners from Journalists after completing the gruelling 42 km race.

Some of the other speakers also expected at Monday’s seminar is Mr Steve Osuji: Member Editorial Board The Nation Newspapers and Author Not too Old to Run who will talk on the Pros and Cons of running at 50+.

Debo Osundun; Chairman Lagos SWAN will also be in attendance alongside Yussuf  Alli General Manager Access Bank Lagos City Marathon who will intimate journalist on the Dos and Don’ts of 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.
Aside from the short lectures at the media seminar, the first set of award winners who will be rewarded for their reportage of the Lagos Marathon will also be unveiled and honoured.

Three Journalists who have contributed immensely to the reportage of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will be honoured at the Media Seminar that will be held on Monday, January 28 at the Sports Bar of the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

In a statement issued by Olukayode Thomas, the Head of Communications and Media for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, three journalists; one from the newspaper, one from the radio and the other from Television will be receiving a cash prize and plaque in recognition of their efforts.

"We are very grateful to our friends in the media for the support they have been giving the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon right from inception, in our own little way we have instituted an award scheme to reward their hard work,"  Thomas explained.

According to Thomas, the award for the journalists will be named after an individual who was quite instrumental in making the dream of the Lagos Marathon a reality.

For 2020 edition, the Head of Communications and Media for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon revealed that Journalist Awards will be expanded to accommodate for more categories and winners.
"We are starting quite small this year but by the grace of God, our plan is to have at list up to six categories next year that will also include Photography, Social Media and other aspects not covered in this maiden edition.

While confirming the expansion plans, Thomas was however coy on talks in the Marathon office that the overall winner of the journalist award for 2020 will be sponsored on an all-expense paid international trip to cover a marathon race in any part of the world.
Already, journalists from across the world have expressed their interest to cover the 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon which will be taking place on Saturday, February 2.

2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Expo Begins

Hundreds of runners from all walks of life including important personalities from within and outside the sports industry on Tuesday thronged the Molade Okoya Thomas Hall at the Teslim Balogun Stadium as the 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Expo got underway.

Marathon Expos are an integral part of big marathon races worldwide with major marathons like New York, Dubai, London, Boston, Chicago, Tokyo, Berlin drawing a lot of vendors and exhibitors annually.

The Expo has also been a regular feature at the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon since debuting four years ago.

At this year’s edition, a lot of companies are participating as they are showcasing their products and services to intending runners at the Lagos Marathon as well as the general public.

Some of the dignitaries at the opening day of the Marathon Expo include the Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC Chief Solomon Ogba as well the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission Dr Kweku Tandoh.

Honourable Bukola Olopade was also present alongside other celebrities.

According to a statement issued by Olukayode Thomas, Head Communications and Media for the Lagos Marathon, a lot of VIP runners were also present on the opening day of the Marathon Expo.

One of those present is a member of the Editorial Board of The Nation, Steve Osuji who has been running the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon consistently since its inception.

Osuji who is almost 60 years old recently wrote a book ‘Not Too Old Run’ and it will be launched at the Lagos Marathon Media Seminar which will be taking place on Monday, January 28, 2019.

According to the organizers of the Marathon  Expo, some of the other celebrities expected this year include former Big Brother Naija Housemates Tobi Bakare, Alex among others while the country's fastest man, Seye Ogunlewe will also be lighting up this year’s expo.

The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Expo will be running for the next 10 days.

2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: Olude Fadekemi Vows To Reclaim Title
After being beaten to the first position among Nigerian (female) runners at the 2018 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Olude Fadekemi has vowed to reclaim her crown at next month’s race.

Olude who is the current National Record holder in the 20km Walk Race finished as the number one Nigeria woman at the 2017 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, but she dropped to second place in 2018; losing the crown to Deborah Pam.

To reclaim the number one position at the 2019 Marathon, Olude revealed that she has since stepped up her training schedule and she is equally working extra hard to ensure that she comes tops this term.
“I was not too happy that I could not defend my title last year, I only finished in second place but this year I want the first position again, “she said in a statement issued by Olukayode Thomas, Head Media and Communications for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

Olude who had a memorable 2018 in which she represented Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games in Australia and also emerged as a gold medal winner at the National Sports Festival among many other accomplishments said she is keen to start 2019 brightly with a win at the Lagos Marathon.

“The year 2018 was very good for me but of course I want 2019 to be better starting with the Lagos Marathon, I will also be competing at the All African Games and many other competitions this year,” Olude revealed.
Asked who her major threat could be at the 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Olude identified Deborah Pam as her major threat but promised to give her a run for her money this year.
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As a means of encouraging Nigerian runners, organizers of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has always had in place a separate prize category to reward the local runners outside the general prizes for all runners from across the world.

ACCESS BANK LAGOS CITY MARATHON

50,000 Runners collect kits, says Alli

The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon projection of 150,000 runners at the start of 10km and full marathon on February 2, 2019 look realistic as over 50,000 runners have collected kits at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere collection center and Tafawa Balewa Square Lagos collection centre as at February 16, 2019.

The collection of kits started from Wednesday, January 7, 2019, and is to end January 28, 2019.

According to the General Manager Marathon Yussuf Alli,

“Our target of 150,000 is achievable going by the number of entries they have received so far. Though the collection of physical forms have since closed, interested runners can still apply on or before Friday, January 18, 2019’’.

Alli advised runners living in Ajah, Lekki, Epe, Victoria Island, Ikoyi and other locations in Epe, Ibeju-Lekki and Eti-Osa not to bother coming to the Teslim Balogun but to make use of the collect center in Lagos Island.

Alli revealed that the 2019 race will be bigger and better, “we have made provision for the expected figure of participants. I am assuring every 10km race runner that finished under two hours will get a medal, ditto the 42km runners that finished under the cut off time of seven hours”.

The General Manager revealed that runner who could not finish due to fatigue or any other reason should please cooperate with sweepers, who will take them back to Teslim Balogun Stadium,

“They should cooperate with sweepers who will take them to Teslim Balogun Stadium where there will be a fun park. The era of runners who are aided to get to the finish by sweeper buses and they will collect medal is gone. Once you can’t finish, its back to the start’’.

Alli urged Lagosians to come out in their thousands to cheer the runners. He revealed that over five thousand runners from 45 countries are coming for this edition,

“Our warm reception will encourage runners to visit Lagos again and again,” said Alli.

2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

Runners begin collection of kits at Tafawa Balewa Square

The Cricket Oval of the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos Island has been a beehive of activities since the distribution of running kits and goodie bags to registered runners for the 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon began at the venue on Monday.

Yussuf Alli, the General Manager for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, explained that the opening of another channel of distribution for kits to intending runners was introduced in order to make things easier.

The Marathon boss while applauding the turnout in the first two days of the distribution exercise at the TBS enjoined other members of the public that have registered for the race not to wait till the final minute before going for the collection of their kits.

“We have started the channel in Lagos Island for intending runners to pick up their kits and goodie bag at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval.”

“This has started since Monday and it has eased things for those coming from the Island axis. In the form, it was indicated that people should pick where they want to collect their kits and goodie bags; whether the Mainland or Island and a good number picked the Island, so we have opened that channel, so I enjoin people to go and collect on time.” Alli said.

Aside from the distribution of kits which is also taking place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon GM also gave assurances that other preparations were going on smoothly to ensure that the February 2 races (10km and 42km) were a huge success.

He said: “We are very well on course to staging another world-class marathon this year even better than the ones we have done before.

“We are fine-tuning everything now, from the start point, route and also the finish point that gave us small problems last year we have made the necessary corrections and additions.”

It is understood that almost 150, 000 from across the world will be taking part in the 4th edition of the Bronze- labelled Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon:

35 Gold Label, 13 Silver Label runners enter for race

The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is attracting growing interest across the world each year and a testament to that is reflected in the number of high-profile runners competing for honours annually in Lagos.

For the 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, as much as 35 Gold, 13 Silver and 12 Bronze Labelled Runners have already registered to be part of the event.

Yusuf Alli, the General Manager for the Lagos Marathon, expressed delight at the interest being shown by the big names to run at the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

Alli noted that the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has surpassed the requirement for a Bronze Label and has done enough to earn even a Gold Label from the IAAF/AIMS.

“This is fantastic, it is obvious that top runners across the world like the Lagos Marathon as they have been signifying their interests from Kenya to even Australia,” Alli stated.

The former Africa record holder in the Long Jump event predicted that a new course record might be set at this year’s marathon due to the stronger field of athletes that would be on parade.

“This year’s marathon will definitely be better than the previous ones, the quality of elite athletes coming have improved a great deal, so we are confident of a good show,” the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon General Manager assured.

Among many other big names, David Barmasai Tumo from Kenya who won the 2011 Dubai Marathon will be competing at the 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

Also, his compatriots, Jacob Kibet Chulyo, Moses Kigen Kipkosgei are in the mix for action as well as Samuel Gebremichael who now does his thing for Australia.

The female field also boasts of some of the top runners in the world including the likes of Agnes Jeruto Kiptocich who finished as runners up in the 2017 Paris Marathon.

Caroline Cheptanui Kilel winner of the 2011 Boston Marathon, as well as Georgina Rono and Risper Jemeli Kimayo, are all pencilled down to run at the Lagos Marathon.

The 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will take place on Saturday, February 2.