Access Bank, Lagos City Marathon Boosting Tourism
The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon within few years of existence has gotten global attention and recognition, going by the participation of athletes and attention of fans both within and outside the country.
Speaking in this regard on Saturday, during the 5th edition, Lagos State Government said “we’ll put the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on the World Marathon Calender.”
Sanwo-Olu said that the marathon had been able to boost the tourism potential of the state, hence, should be sustained.
According to him very soon the marathon will become a global event that will attract the world.
“This is the beginning of our tourism agenda. We want Lagos to remain on the tourism master plan of athletes worldwide, we want marathon to also become part of us because we all want to live a healthy life.
”We want it to be a work and play environment, we want to keep fit and we want to make healthy running, a way of life for all of us, so that we can reduce sicknesses amongst ourselves,” he said.
The Managing Director of Accessa Bank, Herbert Wigwe who thanked the Governor for his support and other dignitaries at the event including chief of army staff, General Burantai reiterated the bank’s efforts in continually impacting positively in communities it operates in.
He said as a responsible organization Access bank would continue to invest in activities that have strong impact on the social and economic wellbeing of Nigerians.
Meanwhile, the winners at the Lagos city marathon, where Kenya’s David Tumo came first after breaking the Marathon’s record with two hours, ten minutes and twenty three seconds (2:10:23).
Also, Kenya’s Cherop Jemutai became the first female to cross to finish line while Kebele Chala came second.
Winner of the 2020 Lagos City Marathon, David Barmasai Tumo, has broken the marathon’s four-year record in 42km race to win the first prize of $50,000. He also got an additional record-breaking fee of $20,000.
He finished the race in two hours, 10 minutes and 22 seconds, a time lesser than what previous winners had recorded.
In the female category of 2020 edition, another Kenyan Sharon Cherop came first in 02:31:40secs
Both male and female 42km runners competed for the grand prize of $50,000 while the second and third place winners $40,000 and $30,000 respectively.
However, organisers said Tumo would get an additional $20,000 for breaking the Lagos Marathon race 42km record, bringing his total earnings to $70,000.
