The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, celebrating its 10th anniversary, is aiming high for its 2024 edition, targeting a pristine race execution coupled with a faster finishing time of 2 hours and 10 minutes. This ambitious goal is driven by the organizers’ aspiration to secure the prestigious World Athletics Platinum Label, a feat yet to be achieved by any marathon in Africa. This pursuit of excellence underscores the marathon’s commitment to elevating its status and solidifying its position as a premier running event on the continent. The organizers believe achieving this milestone would not only be a historic moment for the race but also a significant boost for African athletics.
The pursuit of the Platinum Label has necessitated meticulous planning and attention to detail. Organizers have focused on attracting a high-caliber field of elite runners, including multiple gold label marathon winners, to enhance the competitiveness of the race. Seven gold label runners in the men’s category and five in the women’s category, alongside two and one platinum label runners respectively, will be participating, reflecting the growing international appeal of the Lagos City Marathon. Meeting the stringent criteria for the Platinum Label requires not just a fast winning time but also adherence to a range of operational standards, showcasing the event’s overall quality and organization.
Beyond the elite field, addressing past logistical challenges has been a key priority. One of the major concerns from the previous edition was the availability of water along the course. The organizers have taken this feedback seriously and implemented measures to ensure adequate hydration stations are available throughout the 42km route. This responsiveness to participant feedback demonstrates the organizers’ commitment to continuously improving the race experience. Furthermore, the introduction of pacers, three for the men’s race and one for the women’s, is a strategic move aimed at helping runners maintain a consistent pace and potentially achieve personal best times. The pacers are slated to drop off at predetermined points along the course – 30km, 35km, and 40km respectively – providing targeted support to runners at various stages of the race.
The marathon’s 10th-anniversary edition signifies a decade of growth and development. Starting in 2016, the race has steadily gained prominence, earning a World Athletics Gold Label and attracting a diverse range of participants from both within Nigeria and internationally. The presence of World Athletics Vice President, Jackson Tuwei, at last year’s event, coupled with his indication that the organization would consider awarding the Platinum Label after a thorough review of the 2024 edition, underscores the significance of this year’s race. Successfully attaining the Platinum Label would solidify the Lagos City Marathon’s position among the world’s elite marathons, attracting even more international attention and participants in future years.
The logistical arrangements for the 2024 race have been carefully planned. The 42km marathon will commence at 6:30 am from the National Stadium, Surulere, a symbolic starting point in the heart of Lagos. Meanwhile, the 10km race, designed for a broader range of participants, will begin at 9:30 am from the Grace Garden Event Centre in Lekki. Both races converge at the Eko Atlantic City, providing a scenic and memorable finish line for all participants. This dual-start format caters to both serious marathon runners and those seeking a shorter, more accessible running experience.
As the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon embarks on its 10th year, the focus is firmly fixed on achieving a flawless event and reaching new heights in terms of performance and international recognition. The organizers’ meticulous planning, combined with the impressive field of elite runners and a renewed focus on addressing previous logistical challenges, signals a strong commitment to securing the coveted World Athletics Platinum Label. This ambition reflects not only the aspirations of the race itself but also the growing stature of African athletics on the global stage. The 2024 edition is poised to be a landmark event, potentially ushering in a new era for the Lagos City Marathon and inspiring future generations of African runners.
