23rd January, 2016
The world record holder in women’s marathon, Paula Radcliffe has hinted that she will be more than willing to be part of the 2017 edition of the Lagos City Marathon.
Radcliffe gave this cheering news to members of the Local Organising Committee of the Lagos Marathon who are presently attending the Dubai Marathon to gain more ideas in organising the Lagos race billed for 6 February.
The star British long distance runner who gladly endorsed the Lagos race said she would be looking forward to being part of the 2017 edition which is guaranteed to be bigger.
“I am happy to endorse the Lagos City International Marathon which is taking place this year; February 6th, I look forward to possibly working with you next year.” Said Radcliffe who at the Chicago Marathon in 2002 set a record of 2 hours 15 minutes and 25 seconds yet to be matched by any woman.
Even in its maiden edition, the Lagos City marathon is guaranteed a star-cast with almost 70 elite athletes across the world guaranteed to compete.
Meanwhile, music star Olamide Adedeji popularly called Olamide, media celebrity Jimi Disu, Rapper Ogunbote aka Jaayglow and national champion in 100m Adeseye Ogunlewe all signed on for the 2016 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Thursday.
First to sign was rapper Jaayglow, the son of football coach Gbenga Ogunbote. The rapper said it is was an honour to be associated with Lagos Marathon while he also urged all Lagosians to come and run and for those that are not running, he appealed to them to come in their thousands to support the runners.
On his part, Olamide said he was equally proud to be associated with Lagos City Marathon even as he enjoined other celebrities to come on board and be counted with the noble course.
The multi-award winning musician together with the other visiting celebrities filled their race forms at the office of Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission and head of the organising committee for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Deji Tinubu.
Aside being proud to be associated with the Lagos City Marathon, the current fastest man in Nigeria, Ogunlewe said he believes that the February 6 race will be a veritable way reviving the culture of long distance races and healthy living amongst Nigerians.
In his remarks, Tinubu thanked the celebrities for identifying with the Lagos Marathon even as reiterated that arrangement is in top gear to ensure that Lagos hosts a world class event everybody will be proud of.
“This is a big encouragement for us, we hope to see many other celebrities come on board and together we will have a successful race” The Lagos Sport boss submitted.