Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Lagos State Government has affirmed its readiness to host over 20,000 Local and International Marathoners in the forth coming Access Bank Lagos City Marathon scheduled to come up tomorrow.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, said all arrangements have been put in place and Lagos is ready to host the event as well as replicate an international version of the event in the state come Saturday.
He confirmed that several renowned marathoners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and other countries are already in town for the event, while local and other athletes are fully prepared to participate in the 42km race.
Ayorinde said the State Government has put in place water-tight security measures to protect athletes and other participants in the international event adding that a team of motorized and motorbike escorts have been provided to monitor the event throughout the duration of the race.
“Similarly we have put in place a team of fully trained and well equipped medical team that will accompany all the participants from the kick-off of the race to the end”, Ayorinde said.
He said a combined team of traffic managers will also be on ground to control traffic along the designated routes, while alternate routes have also been provided for motorists during the 7- hour event.
“The Lagos State Government is therefore appealing to Lagosians to come out en masse and cheer these athletes as well as encourage them during the course of the race,” he said.
While regretting any inconvenience the traffic restriction would cause during the period, the Commissioner said Lagosians are reminded that the gains inherent in hosting the event will further boost the economy of the State as well as promote Lagos as a destination worthy of visit by tourists, sportsmen and investors.