“The IAAF and AIMS have a special interest in the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon so if you see their top officials at the third edition, don’t be surprised. Lagos is one of the few marathons in the world that got an IAAF Label after just two editions. This is a rare feat. The event had over 50,000 runners at the first edition and over 73,000 in the second, this is something you rarely find in any part of the world’’ said Ogba.

The President of the history-making Bobsled & Skeleton Federation of Nigeria urged other Governors and corporate bodies to emulate Gov. Ambode and Access Bank.

“Nigeria does not have enough marathons and road races, Ambode and Access Bank have taken the lead with the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon. I urge other governors and corporate bodies to emulate them; we need more races in Nigeria. New York State alone has over 70 marathons and road races in a year. Our political and business leaders must embrace marathon even if it for the health benefits alone,’’ Ogba stressed.

The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, which already has a Bronze label and is eyeing a Silver label, will enter its fourth year in 2019.