2020 LAGOS WOMEN RUN: DALYON EMERGES WINNER

 

Patience Dalyon, from Plateau State, has emerged the winner of the Y2020 Lagos Women Run, tagged ‘Run Anywhere, Everywhere’, while Awawu Haruna and Abiye David came in as first and second runners-up respectively. 

Dalyon, who was rewarded with a cash prize of N1m, breasted the tape at 33 mins 43.73 secs; the first runner-up Awawu Haruna who got to the Finish Line at 34 mins 02. 24 secs received N500,000, while Abiye David, the second runner-up who clocked the tape at 34 mins 16.39 secs went home with N300,00.

Speaking on the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Segun Dawodu said that the rationale behind the yearly sporting event is beyond the cash prize attached to the marathon race. 

According to him, the annual race seeks to promote the culture of healthy women, provide a platform for social interaction, fun and to also discover athletes who can represent the State at national and international levels.

While presenting the cheque for a cash prize of N1m to Dalyon for winning the 2020 edition of the marathon, Dawodu said that the 10 kilometer race holding after several months of ban on sporting activities in the State, proves that Lagos, like some other countries, can now hold sporting activities amidst strict observance of all COVID-19 safety protocols. 

He said, "We know that things are not fully back to normal yet but we still need to keep fit and that's why we are encouraging our women with this marathon. It's very good for our wellness, wellbeing and state of mind considering the spate of unpleasant incidents that have occurred since the beginning of 2020 globally”.

He expressed the hope that if more time is dedicated to the training of Nigerian athletes in endurance and high altitude, Nigerians would in no distant time be able to compete favourable with athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia and other countries that have a natural endowment of high altitude.

The Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Sola Aiyepeku, who presented cash prizes to the veteran category winners, expressed satisfaction with the pace of improvement in the annual event, particularly the finish time of the winner, the first place runner-up and the second place runner-up respectively. 

He recalled that the Lagos Women Run started about five years ago and the idea by the initiators was to create a culture of long distance runners, saying that the culture is now gaining ground with the involvement of elderly women participating in the race. 

The veteran category of the race was won by a Lagos State athlete, Anna Seriki, after crossing the finish line at 45 mins 47.11 secs, Ladi Henry (Plateau) ran 46 mins 16.90 secs to emerge second, while Kareem Bolanle finished third in 46 mins 40.74 secs. The veteran category winners got N300,000, N200,000 and N100,000 respectively.

The General Coordinator of the Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, acknowledged the immense contributions of the Lagos State government towards the annual event, noting that holding the race at this period shows the commitment of the State Government to sports development.

Speaking on new innovations added to this year's edition of the race, Popoola stated that the introduction of the virtual version into the race that allows people to run anywhere such as from their homes, offices and any convenient place is one of strategies adopted to comply with COVID-19 protocols. 

She said, "All the athletes were given two disposable face masks at the start point which was at the Tafawa Balewa Square. We also created cells of six athletes each on a single row, to create the much desired physical distance before the race was flagged off". 

 

Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: Organisers reel out plans for 2020 edition

The 2020 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is guaranteed to be a spectacular one following the assurances given by the organizers and sponsors alike at a media parley held Wednesday at the Press Center at the Lagos State secretariat, Alausa.

Bukola Oloapade Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Ltd and the consultant to the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon confirmed the new status of the Lagos Race which has now been accorded a Silver Label and he thanked everyone that has contributed to the huge success.

“I am very glad about the success we have recorded as far as the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is concerned, I remember when we wanted to start this journey four-five years ago, not many gave us a chance to succeed but under five years we have become the first marathon that has been given a Silver Label” Olopade noted.

“We are very grateful to the Lagos State government for their unflinching support, our headline sponsor Access Bank as well as the other sponsors who have all been unrelenting, I can assure you that we would not be reduced on the standards we have already set but instead, expect an even better race in 2020,” the former Ogun States Sports Commissioner assured.

Olopade also announced that the sponsors have already purchased over 50,000 forms for runners while a good number of numbers have independently paid to be part of the fifth edition of the Lagos marathon

On his part, Ameachi Okobi, Head, Communications & External Affairs at Access Bank Plc said the bank is very happy to be part of the success story that the Lagos Marathon has become.

He said: “We have found this platform incredible not just in terms of return on investment but we are helping to change the narrative of Nigeria and even Africa that something good and worthwhile can indeed come from this part of the world.

“When you think about a marathon, so many things come to mind, the road, security, the runners and other things but since edition one till four, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has not recorded any major incidence and that is not a mean feat.

“I can boldly say this marathon is now a major fixture in every serious runner’s calendar so it means we are doing a lot of things right and we can only get better.”

Sola Aiyepekeu the Lagos State Sports Commission reiterated that support of the state government Access Bank Lagos City Marathon as he noted that the event has manifold positive effects and benefits.

He said: “I am proud to be part of the first Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, I must say I am even more happy that it has grown bigger than we ever imagined in less than five years”

"Lagos State will always support events like this, apart from helping improving tourism, the youth in the state now look forward to this annually.

“I must commend Nilayo Limited because they have helped revive the culture of marathon and it is now spreading across Nigeria”

Yusuf Alli the General Manager for the Marathon confirmed that a good number of Gold and Silver Label runners have been confirmed for the 2020 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City billed for February 8.

35,000 Runners To Participate In Lagos Women Run.

The city of Lagos is gearing for another milestone in the history of the first and only women marathon in West Africa as the organisers announced record entries for the Lagos Women Run 2019.

About 35,000 participants have registered to take part in the fourth edition of the Lagos Women Run holding on Saturday, November 9th.

The 10 Kilometres race was created specifically for women from all walks of life to exercise their bodies, socialize and engage in meaningful networking that will positively impact their life while having fun at the same time.

At a press conference held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Surulere, General Coordinator, Tayo Popoola stated that all is set for the race and every logistic needed for smooth organization are in place for a successful event.

The race will be in two categories; the open for runners from ages 18 to 45 years and the veteran category for runners from 45 years and above.

Popoola emphasized that the race aimed to prepare runners for bigger marathons, campaign against domestic violence and emancipation of women from all forms of abuse.

Activities leading to the event proper started on Tuesday with an Race Expo, ongoing at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere. 

With the support of sponsors, the prize money for winners has increased with the overall winner going home with N750,000 as against N500,000 received last year. There will be cash prizes for second to tenth positions.

The route for the Lagos Women Run remain the same as last year’s, showcasing 15 national monuments located in Lagos from the starting point at the Tafawa Balewa Square to the finish point at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Dalung Applauds GOV Ambode For Sustaining Lagos City Marathon.

The Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung has congratulated Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for a 4th consecutive successful Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

He made the remark on Saturday in an interview with journalists at Eko Atlantic where the race took place.

Barrister Dalung said that Gov Ambode has set a precedence in sports development by adding not only to the economic value of the state and country but also empowering a large number of Nigerian youths through sports.

"Governor Ambode has set up a very viable sports event that has strengthened the tourism potentials of Lagos state. Over 100,000 athletes from 58 countries participated in this edition of the Marathon which means that the world is beginning to accept the Lagos City Marathon.

"Personally, I am overwhelmed that it happened during my tenure as a minister and I pray for the sustainability of this marathon. If you assess the Lagos City Marathon, they have done well becacause you have to look at the history of where they're coming from.

"From a background of an abandoned situation, Nigerian athletes are now coming up. Those who made it last year also took the first position at the Ibadan City Marathon, meaning that they are progressing. I want to challenge states like Taraba and Plateau where potentials of Marathon reside. They should go back to the drawing board and save Marathon race in Nigeria by investing in it. As a Ministry we are also going to direct our policies towards deliberate support and encouragement of Marathon races in Nigeria .

Earlier, the Executive Governor of Lagos state Mr Akinwunmi Ambode thanked Lagosians especially the runners who trooped out to participate in this year's edition.
He assured that the Lagos City Marathon will be sustained in the next administration.

"The future of Lagos state belongs to the young people. I say a big thank you to all Lagosians for tolerating us in the last four years. This is the fourth time we are doing this Access Bank Lagos City Marathon and its been improving year in, year out.
This year we had 58 participating countries, and over 100,000 runners.

"I believe strongly that what we have started will be continued by the APC candidate Jide Sanwo-Olu when he comes in and I believe strongly also that this will take the GDP of Lagos to greater heights"

Ethiopia's Suntayahu Legese and Dinke Meseret came tops in the men and women's category while Ilya Pam of Plateau state was the first Nigerian runner to breast the tape.

Goyet Dethrones lliya Pam To Claims 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

A Nigerian long distance runner, Gideon Goyet, has expressed his happiness for defeating IIiya Pam Mwanta, the defending champion of Lagos City Marathon.

Goyet, a member of the Nigeria Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, who cliched eight position at last year's edition, said he had to re-double his training programes to achieve the feat, adding that the defeat to top Nigeria's runners in 2018 spurred him to win the race.

As part of effort to sustain the title, The runner, said would not relent in his training since other athletes would be aiming to outwit him in subsequent long distance races.

The athlete rated fourteenth overall, appealed to the federal government and corporate bodies to give him necessary support to forge ahead to train for international races.

Legese, Meseret Win 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

Ethiopian long distance runners have dominated the 2019 Access Bank Lagos City marathon as
Sintayehu Legese and Dinke Meseret won the forty- two kilometer road race in the male and female categories.

The race, which was flagged off this morning by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode at the National Stadium, attracted over twenty thousand runners across the globe with the view of wining the star prize money and also to earn marathon points.

Speaking through an interpreter, Legese, who did not feature in last year's edition due to sickness, said adequate training and running at his pace were the two major factors responsible for his victory as he returned with a time of two hours, eleven second and twenty- eight seconds.

The long distance runner, who came fifth at twenty- sixteen edition, said it was unfortunate that the race's defending champion, Kiprotich Abraham, did not feature in the race, stressing that he had very hard to dethrone Abraham who won 2018 race with a time of  two hours, fifteen seconds and four seconds.

Legese, won the star prize money of fifty thousand dollars while Dinke Meseret also got fifty thousand dollars.

US-Based Nigerian Artiste Vows To Thrill Fans

Since its inception, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has not just been about running but the very best of entertainment has also been a regular feature.

The 2019 edition will not be any different.

While many are already aware that the duo of D’Banj and Teni will be performing at the finish point of Saturday’s race, another energetic performer based in the United States, Brite Benson a.k.a Local Boy has been added to the list of artists that would thrill the fans.

Benson who is returning to Nigeria after almost 17 years in America said he is in town majorly for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon and he is eager to unleash what he has for the Lagos fans.

“Yes, I am in Nigeria just for this, I paid my way here to support the Lagos Marathon and to also showcase by talent to Nigerians.” He said.

An Afro-pop artist, the ‘Local Boy’ as he is fondly called revealed that he has done a couple of songs with both American and African artistes; including the likes of CDQ, Davido and D’Banj.

Lagos fans will have the honour of being the first set of audience in the world to listen to the new single 'Sokoyokoto' just released by Local Boy.

2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: Top Stars Arrive, Set For Showdown

Top runners from across the world expected to add sparkle to the 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon are now in town and raring to go.

While some are making a return to compete in the IAAF Bronze Label race, others will be making their debuts, but nonetheless looking forward to snapping up the 50,000 USD 1st prize up for grabs at Saturday’s race.

Though the elite athletes are predictably and mostly from Kenya, there are also other top runners from Ethiopia, Morocco, Uganda, Australia, USA and Poland among many other countries that would be running on Saturday.

In a statement issued by Olukayode Thomas Head of Communications and Media for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, the strong cast of runners for this year’s marathon is a big plus.

“The elites athletes started arriving yesterday while others came in today, it is a big plus that the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is commanding this number of quality athletes, it should help in our quest to improve to a silver label.” Thomas noted.

Among those that have arrived and would be taking a shot at the top prize in Saturday’s race is Patrick Kipyegon Terer.

Terer has won races across the world from Prague to Turin in Italy and has equally fared well in other international races in Israel, France, China and Canada among many other places.

Also in town is Moses Kigen Kipkosgei who finished in third place at the 2010 New York Marathon.

Agnes Jeruto Kiptocich, the runner-up at the 2017 Paris Marathon has also arrived with the mission to dethrone Herpa Almenesh Guta who won the women’s race at the 2018 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

The Nigerian elite athletes have also arrived in Lagos as they look to at least break into the overall top 10 this year.

NFF calls on stakeholders to show interest in State FA polls

First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Barrister Seyi Akinwumi has made a clarion call on football stakeholders and enthusiasts to show greater interest in and strive to participate in the ongoing electoral processes in the local councils and Football Associations of the 36 States and the FCT.

Speaking in Lagos on Wednesday, the respected legal practitioner with over 30 years in the bar said the realm is open for those who believe they possess great ideas on how to run the game to be involved in administration at local and State levels.

“Our dear country, Nigeria is blessed with multitudes who possess great ideas and ideals about how to run the game of football. These include the current FA Chairmen who I must say I am very proud of in the way they carry out the tenets of Association Football. The Councils and State Football election process is on now and the opportunity is there for everyone to get involved. It would be a dis-service to the system and to the game itself for people who have worthy and brilliant ideas to stay aloof.

“It is not rocket science. The guidelines are available at the offices of each State FA. People should go there, look at the guidelines and if they meet the requirements, vie for offices. It is from the local councils and State levels that people come to the national body, which is the Nigeria Football Federation.”

Akinwunmi, who is also the Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association and Member of the CAF Committee on Youth Competitions, said those who possess ideas on how to grow the game but refuses to be part of the electoral processes are not doing Nigerian Football any good.

“As Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, who is also interested in contesting, I have been encouraging those who have much to offer to be part of the processes from the grassroots level, and then come to the State level and vie for positions in the Executive Committee.

“Some persons do not realize that they can actually effect changes by being part of the processes. It is not enough to stand aside and simply criticize the system. Get involved and try to get inside, and then float your ideas in a robust manner for everyone to see and take on board.”

Electoral processes are ongoing into the local football councils and Football Associations in the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory, with most of the States having already announced dates for their respective Elective Congresses.

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 28th 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.

Runners begin collection of kits at Tafawa Balewa Square

The Cricket Oval of the Tafawa Balewa Square,TBS, 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 on Monday.

The race's General Manager, Yussuf Alli, explained that the opening of another channel of distribution of kits to intending runners was introduced in order to it much easier for the organisers.

While applauding the turnout in the first two days of the exercise at the TBS, Alli, enjoined other members of the public that had registered for the race not to wait till the final minute before collecting 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 race's manager, assured that other preparations towards organising a successful ten and forty- two kilometre race were hitch-free.


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.”


About One hundred and fifty thousand long distance runners, 150, 000 from across the world will be taking part in the 4th edition of the Bronze- labelled Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

Media Marathon Committee Meets Tandoh, Solicits Lagos Support

Members of the Lagos Media Marathon Committee on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission Dr Kweku Tandoh.

Among other things, the visit was mainly to solicit support from Lagos State towards the success of the maiden media marathon in Nigeria slated for May 1, 2019.

The Lagos Media Marathon delegation was led by the chairman of its Organizing Committee, Tony Ubani.

Others in the delegation include Debo Oshundun, the Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria SWAN, Lagos branch as well as Adekunle Salami, Tosin Omoniyi and Tunde Eludini.

The delegation through its chairman, Ubani formally requested for permission from the Lagos State Government to use the already mapped out route for the Media Marathon which is expected to take runners from Anthony Oke opposite TREM to Oshodi, Charity through the new ten-lane international airport expressway to the nation’s best bus terminus, Ikeja Bus Terminus.

The Media Marathon delegation also sought for other assistance from the Lagos State government and His Excellency Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in the area of logistics, security, and general welfare.

“We are very grateful to Governor Ambode for all he has done for sports during the last four years; especially the revival he has brought to long-distance running in Nigeria. The Media Marathon is one of the things we are planning to use to say a big thank you to our amiable governor” Ubani stated.

He added: “Our plan for the Media Marathon is to also use it to further showcase the massive developmental projects that Gov. Ambode has done in Lagos especially on the route we selected”.

The Chairman of the Lagos Media Marathon Committee said it was necessary for journalists and indeed the public to give a closer look at their health and fitness which is one of the things the Media Marathon will be addressing.

Tandoh told the committee members that will pass their letter to His Excellency.

The Lagos Media Marathon is slated for May 1, 2019, the 10km and the 5km race is open to all journalists, and other members of the media family in public relations, advertising, and others in the allied industry and students.

Members of the public are also free to register for the race.

But unlike stakeholders in the media and communications and students, who will not pay a registration fee, participants in the 10km race will pay a registration fee of N2500 and those interested in the 5km will pay N2000.

Collection Of Running Kits Begins On Monday

All is set for the 4th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon billed to take place on Saturday, February 2, 2019.

In a statement issued by Olukayode Thomas, Head Communications and Media for the marathon, the kit collection for intending runners that have completed the registration process will officially begin on Monday (today).

“The kit collection is starting quite early this year. From Monday, those that have successfully completed the registration process can come for their kits and goodie bags,” he said.

Thomas said the distribution of the kits would take place at the Car Park of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.

“To collect your kits, you only need to show the acknowledgement message received after the registration was completed and also provide a valid means of identification,” Thomas explained.

He added: “For those that want to send others to collect on their behalf, they will have to write an authorization note to that effect”

Aside from the Teslim Balogun Stadium, there will also be another kit collection centre at the Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS but collection will start at the venue from Wednesday.

Organisers explained that the early distribution of kits and dual collection centres are all targeted at allowing for a seamless process. 

Meanwhile, arrangements are also in top gear to have the Marathon Expo from January 22 through to January 31st.

Already, many top companies across the country have signified their intention to be part of this year’s marathon expo which is an indication that the expo would be bigger than the previously held editions.

Aside from more companies coming on to showcase their self, more fun, entertainment and chance for the public to win mouthwatering prizes have also been added to the 2019 Marathon Expo.

The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is an IAAF Bronze Label race and this year over 150,000 from across the world are expected to participate.

2019 Elections: ‘Lagos Walk With Sanwo-Olu’ Holds January 12

As more and more Lagosians key into the vision of the Gubernatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, no fewer than 20,000 residents of the “Aquatic State” would this Saturday show their support for him with an early morning 10-kilometre walk.  

Tagged “Lagos Walk With Sanwo-Olu”, the 20,000-man march is the initiative of the 39142 Group, which has been building huge grassroots support for Mr. Sanwo-Olu across the state.

 According to the 39142 Group in a statement, “the walk is scheduled to hold on the 12th of January 2019. Converging point is Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) and the route is through Awolowo Road and Falomo to end at Muri Okunola Park. Take off time is 7a.m.”

 Online and offline activities for the success of the walk are in top gear with the registration of over 20,000 Lagosians already accomplished and Social Media buzz on the march trending on Twitter under the hashtag #LagosWalkwithSanwo-Olu, which the 39142 Group launched via its twitter handle @greaterlag39142.

  

Contacts, registration and other round-the-clock engagements with Lagosians are also on-going on the 39142 Group’s Instagram Account: @greaterlagosby39142

 and facebook page: Walk4GreaterLagos and twitter: @greaterlag39142.

The 39142 Group enjoined more Lagosians to embrace the vision and agenda of the Lagos APC governorship candidate in order to keep the state on the path of steady progress initiated in 1999 by then Governor of the state and current National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We are supporting a great vision; a great mission for the Lagos of our collective dreams and it is clear that Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu is the right man for the job today. That is why we have been engaging Lagosians from all walks of life for Sanwo-Olu. 

The grassroots response to our engagements has been massive and without doubt Lagos is voting President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and all other APC candidates across the state in this year’s General Elections,” the 39142 Group stressed in the statement.

Abuja and Abeokuta Marathons get October, November 2019 Date

The culture of international marathons and road races revived by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in February 2016 is spreading like wildfire.

The latest cities to catch the bug courtesy Nilayo Sports Management are Abuja and Abeokuta and both did with a record, they became the first races in the history of Nigeria that their routes will be measured, calibrated and certificates issued by IAAF and AIMS before the race.

Their routes were measured and calibrated by world-renowned measurer Norrie Williamson who measured the route of four Olympic Games and many of the world best road races and marathons.

Bukola Olopade the Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited revealed that the Abuja City Marathon will hold October 13, 2019, and Abeokuta City Marathon November 3, 2010.

Olopade said Abuja the federal capital deserved a full marathon and he thanked the president of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Ibrahim Gusau for giving Nilayo Sports the patent for Abuja City Marathon.

He also said Abeokuta the cradle of civilization in Nigeria has witnessed consistent progress since returned to civil rule.

“Segun Osoba opened up the city and the state, Gbenga Daniels moved the city and state from a civil service state to a corporate state while the present government of Ibikunle Amosun has done well in the area of road construction in Abeokuta metropolis, an Abeokuta City Marathon will open the city and the state to the world especially it tourism potentials, the socio-economic and health benefits of the marathon to the city and the state cannot be quantifiable.” 

Olopade revealed Nilayo has already secured six sponsors for Abeokuta City Marathon while a telecom giant and an automobile company have signed on for Abuja City Marathon.

He attributed the record-breaking feats of the two races, certification by IAAF/AIMS before the race to Nilayo’s hardworking staff like Yussuf Alli who he believes Nigeria own a debt for his immense contribution to sports development.

Okpekpe Road Race gets IAAF Bronze Label

 

The World Athletics Governing body, International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has conferred the IAAF bronze label status on the Okpkekpe 10km Road Race, which holds annually in Edo State,Nigeria.  

 

In a release sent by IAAF, the body commended the organisers   for staging  a  hitch free tournament in the  last two years while, urging  them to adhere to the rules and regulations guiding the new status. 

 

The release stated:"We have reviewed your application for an IAAF Road Race Label.  We are pleased to inform you that your race has been awarded a Bronze Label for 2015. We remind you that all requirements included in the Road Race Label Regulations must be met in order to be considered for an IAAF Label the following year."

 

The maiden edition of Okpekpe International Road Race was organised by the Edo State,government under the leadership of  Comrade Adams Oshiomole, in 2013.  

  Since inception, more than  200 top  athletes  across the globe have been part of the race, while Moses Massai of Kenya won the maiden edition with a time of 29mins, 39 seconds.

 

  the competition has received the backing of dignitaries across the country, as they take active part in the race by running alongside Governor Oshiomole  in the 10km race.