In a time of two hours, 15 minutes and 20 seconds,
Kenya’s, Abraham Kiptum who won the maiden edition of Access Bank Lagos City
Marathon on Saturday successfully defended his title at the second edition of
the race carting away the grand prize of $50,000.
His
time was a new record in the Lagos Marathon as he posted a time of two hours,
16 minutes and 19 seconds in the 2016 maiden edition.
Kiptum’s
compatriots, Ronny Kiboss and Kiprotich Kiroi came second and third finishing
in two hours, 15 minutes and 25 seconds and two hours, 15 minutes and 30
seconds, winning $40,000 and $30,000 dollars respectively.
Istifanus
Peter Mahan was the first Nigerian to breast the finish tape in two hours, 37
minutes and 51 seconds, while Kefas Williams and Ritji Timothy finished second
and third in two hours, 40 minutes and 43 seconds and two hours, 41 minutes and
31 seconds respectively.
The
race started at the National Stadium, Surulere by 7am and ended at the Eko
Atlantic City in Victoria Island with over 50,000 athletes battling for the
prize money.
Speaking
shortly before presenting the prizes to the winners at the Eko Atlantic City,
Victoria Island, State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode said his administration
has begun steps to reposition sports in the State, assuring that no stone would
be left unturned to achieve the aspiration.
He
said the success of the tourney marked another leg of his government's dreams
and aspiration to make State the destination of Sports in Africa.
To
this end, the Governor said the State would continue to explore and attract
regional, continental and global sports events to drive home its mission,
adding that the all round development of youths through sports remains
paramount.
"Our
commitment to continue to support our Youth in Sports Development is resolute,
a part that we cannot depart from. The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is
a testimony to this avowed commitment," he said.
Governor
Ambode said it was gratifying that the Marathon attracted the presence of the
Athletics Federations Presidents from other countries, and participation
of elite Athletes from four continents, 15 countries and about 50,000 athletes
overall.
While
expressing delight on the interest and participation of thousands of Nigerians
in the Marathon, the Governor said that more importantly, the event had set a
foundational infrastructure to put the State on the world map.
"This
mind blowing attendance underscores our determination to occupy a prime place
in the Marathon Calendar worldwide and ultimately to be among the top ten
Marathon races in the World.
Governor
Ambode said that going forward, his administration would remain committed to
supporting outstanding Athletes on the local front and that proactive measures
that will encourage and challenge them to excel would be put in place.
"We are hugely
encouraged by the local participation, which coincide with our mission on the
Marathon. Let me reiterate that our collaboration with Access Bank Plc, Seven
Up Bottling Company, Bet Naija and Eko Atlantic City is a template we intend to
replicate in various sports across board," he said.
Governor
Ambode said beyond the Marathon, the State Government would continue to use
sports to drive inclusion and engagement of the citizenry most especially the
youths, while Tourism, Arts and Entertainment will remain the cornerstone and
pillars of support of his social contract with Lagosians and the international
community.
"In
support of this, we have put in place a structured process of providing
additional sports infrastructure in the various Zones of the State.
"The
target here is to ensure that no child is denied the opportunity of interaction
with sports as early as possible in life while potential for career in sports
can be identified for proper development," he said.
The
Governor also announced that the next edition of the Marathon would hold on
Saturday, February 10 2018.
In
his remarks, Managing Director of Access Bank, Mr Herbert Wigwe said the event,
apart from showcasing the fact that Lagos is truly a safe place, the marathon
had all the traits of world class tourney.
He
said the marathon was also a pointer to the fact that Lagos is very much ready
to receive the international world for business.
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