Lagos Deputy Gov. rates Access Bank Lagos City Marathon as “World best”

Posted : 12 February 2024

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, has described the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon as one of the best long-distance races in the world, owing to its capacity and the atmosphere created by the state government.

The 9th edition of the Gold Label was held on Saturday, February 10, as the 42-kilometer race began at the National Stadium in Surulere and ended at the Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island.

In Kenya, Bernard Sang won the 2024 race with a time of 2:16:35 in the male category, while in the female category, Chala Kebene from Ethiopia came in first with a time of 2.41.01. The winners were rewarded with the top prize of 30,000 dollars each. Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor said, “The marathon has created an opportunity for people that came from other countries to understand our culture better, make friends here, and also have a socio-economic impact on the state."

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, said the yearly event is getting bigger and better, stating that the collaboration with the sponsor has yielded tremendous benefits.

“I’m happy that Lagos State and Access Bank collaborate together, and through the collaboration, we can have multiple economic events. ''The marathon also helps the youth engage in something because most of them are restless, so I will encourage them to get off their feet and take advantage of it to the next level, he said.

Over 81 elite athletes drawn from different countries took part in the 42 kilometers, while thousands of runners participated in the 10K fun race. The 10th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will be held next year, and organisers are targeting a platinum label for the race ahead of the landmark edition.

On Saturday which also doubled as the day of the 9th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc confirmed the tragic passing of Herbert Wigwe, the company's founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, in a helicopter crash near the Nevada-California border. The Eurocopter EC 130, carrying Wigwe, his wife, and son, crashed on its way to Las Vegas.

Access Bank is known for indigenous support and organization of the African youths and sports. The tragic incident has left the Access Family in grief, and the company remains confident in building on Wigwe's legacy while announcing plans for an Acting Group Chief Executive Officer.

Lagos Deputy Gov. rates Access Bank Lagos City Marathon as “World best”

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