Lagos gears up for Capital City Race

Preparations are in top gear for the 10km Capital City Race, held on Saturday in Ikeja, says Lekan Fatodu, the Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC).

Fatodu gave the assurance while briefing newsmen on Wednesday at the conference room of LSSC, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

He restated the resolve of the commission to support initiatives that would further drive sports tourism in Lagos State.

According to him, the state government is ready to welcome individuals or corporate bodies who are ready to key into the THEMES-plus agenda of the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration.

“Lagos will not relent in its commitment to fostering a culture where sport and physical activities are not just a pastime but also a way of life.

“It is important for us to continue to use the platform of sports to promote inclusiveness and community relations, partnership, peace, and to increase the energy that has been hidden.

“We also want to create more platforms where everyone can come together in an atmosphere of friendliness and express themselves.

“We cannot do this without the perfect atmosphere, support, and collaboration,” he said.

The convener of the marathon, Dapo Ajayi, said that the race aimed to foster healthier living among the Lagos residents.

"It's the first edition, and we promise it is going to be an event people will continue to look forward to.

“We wouldn’t have had the amount of turnout without the support of the Lagos State Sports Commission.

“For us, it is basically about fitness, inspiring people to an active lifestyle.

“Nigeria has a huge young population, and they can’t be sitting doing nothing. Races like this engage the people to come out, run, and socialise,” he said.

According to him, the 10-kilometre marathon will involve about 1,000 runners and is expected to kick off at 7 a.m. on Saturday.

Runners will start at the Ikeja Mall and through Billings Way, then take a loop to Kudirat Abiola Way to enter Opebi Link Bridge.

They will then race through roads leading to Opebi, Allen, Adeniyi Jones, Oba Akran, and Kodesoh, ending at the Police College Sports Secretariat/Gym.

The first-place winner will go home with N500,000; the second prize is 300,000; and the third prize is N200,000.

“We are ready for Saturday. People have registered, and kits have been distributed. We have ambulances, security personnel, traffic officials, and others ready for the race,” he said.

Ajayi added that the race would be replicated in other state capitals of the federation subsequently.