Tinubu extols Lagosians for Lagos City Marathon success

CHAIRMAN of Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Deji Tinubu, has expressed appreciation to the people of the state for the success recorded in the maiden Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

Kenya’s Abraham Kiptum won the race in two hours 16 minutes 21 seconds, defeating his compatriot, Hosea Kipkemoi Kiplagat, who placed second in a time of 2:16:34, while Ethiopian Debebe Tolosa with a time of 2:16:40 came third in the men’s category.

Ethiopia’s Halima Hussen won the women’s event in a time of 2:38:36, Kenya’s Alice Jemeli Timbilil came second in 2:38:49 and Aberash Feyase’s time of 2:39:09 won her the third position.

Tinubu, who was the head of local organising committee, said he was happy that the race took place without a major casualty, adding that the success could not have been possible without everyone’s support.

While thanking Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for making sure that everything needed to ensure the success of the IAAF’s approved marathon was provided, he assured that the race has come to stay in the calendar of sporting events of not only Lagos State but also Nigeria as a whole.

“The success of the first edition of Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is quite overwhelming. I want to thank Governor Amobode for making this a success and more importantly the participants and indeed all Lagosians for being part of history. I want Lagosians to expect more sporting activities of international magnitude in the life of this current administration in Lagos.

“As Governor Ambode has rightly said, the plan of the government is to make Lagos a hub of sports in Africa and the choice destination of tourism and investment,” Tinubu said.