Ambode Has Structure in Place for a World-class Race, Says Alli

ACCESS/LAGOS MARATHON

Though the 2017 Access Bank/ Lagos City Marathon slated for February 11, is still almost 17 days away, the General Manager, Marathon, Yussuf Alli, is confident Lagos will stage a world-class event even if the event is taking place thursday.

He said: “The Governor of Lagos State, Akinwumi Ambode, has been of tremendous assistance to the Organising Committee, we have put in place everything we need to do to organise a good race, from technical to events, security and others, I can assure all class of participants from elite runners to fun runners and charity runners that if the marathon is to take place tomorrow, we are ready to stage a class a world-class event.’’
Alli who has been part of many international mega events including the 2003 All Africa Games hosted by Nigeria in Abuja, said Governor Ambode had provided all the assistance needed including support from Lagos State Government agencies like LASTMA, KAI, LASSA and others.

He urged Lagosians to reciprocate the governor’s gesture by coming out in their hundreds and thousands to cheer the runners. He also urged Lagosians to obey road closure signals and show the positive side of of the state to thousands of visitors from within and outside the country that would visit the city for the 2nd Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

The general manager also implore runners, especially the fun runners and those running for charities to remember that the cut time is seven hours.
“Marathons worldwide have their cut off time, for some its five hours while others are eight or more but for our race the cut of time is seven hours.

The race starts by 7am and we expect the last runner to be at the finish by 2pm, peradventure a runner is not at the finish by 2 pm, medical officials will provide a vehicle that will transport such runners to the finish, we urge all runners to obey and comply with their instructions as roads that are closed will be opened after the cut off time.’