Over 1,000 runners set to participate in maiden 10km Capital City Race

Posted : 21 November 2024

The organizers of the 10km Capital City Race stated on Wednesday that over 1,000 runners are set to participate in the epic run.

The convener of the race, Dapo Ajayi, mentioned that the organizers decided to halt the registration process to manage the number of participants, as those who registered have already started receiving their kits.

Watch NPFL Matches LIVE: https://www.africasport.net/livetv/nigeria

Speaking at the press briefing for the maiden 10km Capital City Race, the Director General (D-G) of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) stated that Lagos State aims to support more private initiatives to drive sports tourism.

He reiterated the commission’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sports tourism in the state.

Fatodu also assured that the Lagos State government is ready to welcome individuals or corporate bodies willing to align with the THEMES Plus agenda spearheaded by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

The press briefing was held at the conference room of the LSSC, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.

Fatodu further clarified that the state government would not relent in its efforts to ensure citizens live in good health, supported by active physical exercises like the marathon.

“Lagos will not relent in its commitment to fostering a culture where sports and physical activities are not just a pastime but also a way of life.

“It is important for us to continue using sports as a platform to promote inclusivity, community relations, partnerships, peace, and to channel hidden energy positively.

“We also want to create more platforms where everyone can come together in an atmosphere of friendliness and self-expression,” he said.

Fatodu emphasized that the commission would continue to encourage collaborations with private initiatives across the state.

“We have seen the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon rise to the zenith of African races. This is an innovative way to promote sports engagement within our community.

“We understand that some people are unable to participate in our flagship race, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, so this type of race holds symbolic importance.

“The organizers are leveraging the centrality of Ikeja to reach many citizens, giving them an opportunity to participate in sports within their locality.

“We cannot achieve this without perfect collaboration, which is why this initiative is so dear to us and has earned the support of our Governor,” he added.

Dapo Ajayi, the convener of the Capital City Race, stated that the primary aim of the race is to promote healthy living among Lagosians.

“We are fostering healthy living. This is the first edition, and we promise it will be an event people will look forward to.

“We wouldn’t have achieved such an impressive turnout without the support of the Lagos State Sports Commission.

“For us, it’s primarily about fitness and inspiring people to adopt an active lifestyle.

“Nigeria has a large youth population, and they cannot afford to remain idle. Events like this engage people, encouraging them to come out, run, and socialize,” he said.

Explaining the vision behind the race, Ajayi mentioned that the event would soon expand to other capital cities across Nigeria.

“The Capital City Race is unique in its concept. When we launched, we received numerous invitations from across Nigeria to organize similar races in their states.

“This means the race can be staged in all capital cities across Nigeria. By 2026, we hope to have a calendar of state capitals eager to host the race in different months.

“We are fully prepared for Saturday. Participants have registered and received their kits. Ambulances, security personnel, and traffic officials are all set for the race,” he added.

According to the organizers, the 10km Capital City Race is scheduled to start at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Runners will begin at the Ikeja Mall, proceed through Billings Way, take a loop to Kudirat Abiola Way, and cross the Opebi Link Bridge.

The race will continue through Opebi Road to Allen Avenue, then to the Adeniyi Jones stretch, Oba Akran Avenue, and Kodesoh Street, finishing at the Police College Sports Secretariat/Gym.

The winner of the race will receive N500,000, while the second and third-place finishers will go home with N300,000 and N200,000, respectively.

Over 1,000 runners set to participate in maiden 10km Capital City Race

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics