Lagos council launches City Marathon to develop future Olympic athletes

The Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area in Lagos State has announced plans on Friday to nurture young athletes into future Olympic champions through its inaugural youth City Marathon.

Mr. McAnthony Anaelechukwu, the council’s Director-General (DG), shared this at a press briefing about the upcoming 10-kilometer youth marathon, scheduled for November.

According to Anaelechukwu, the marathon will begin at the Maracana Pavilion Stadium and conclude at the Signal Barracks Sports Ground.

Expressing disappointment with Team Nigeria’s performance in the recent Olympics in France, Anaelechukwu emphasized the council’s commitment to making a huge impact in athletics.

He noted the need for Nigeria to compete with countries like Kenya in both short and long-distance marathons.

“We believe it’s time to challenge the Kenyans, and where better to start than in Ajegunle, the sports hub? We’ve excelled in football, but our recent track and field performances, particularly at the last Olympics, have been disappointing,” he said.

Anaelechukwu added that the council aims to elevate athletics by organizing this marathon and training the youth in short-distance running.

“It’s crucial to provide our young people with opportunities to showcase their talents. In the past, we’ve seen remarkable performances from children in Ajegunle’s kids’ marathon, and now we’re ready to take it further,” he noted.

He also stressed the importance of engaging youth through events like the Ajegunle City Youth Marathon, which provides a platform for young talents to shine. The initial marathon targeted children aged 9 to 14, whose impressive results inspired the council to expand the event.

Similarly, Mr. Isaac Moses, the marathon’s Convener, announced that the top three finishers would share a N20 million cash prize, with additional cash gifts for the first 50 participants.

Even those who don’t run can win prizes through raffle draws, offering gadgets, flat screens, refrigerators, and more.

The marathon features a 10-kilometer race, with a 2.5-kilometer celebrity race. The winner of the main race will receive N300,000, the second-place finisher N200,000, and the third-place finisher N100,000.

Isaac Omoyele, the Youth Chairman for Ajeromi-Ifelodun, emphasized that the marathon will promote fitness and health awareness among young people.

“This marathon integrates health and fitness, encouraging young people to prioritize their well-being,” he said.

The event is expected to draw over 1,000 participants, with categories including the Masters Division for people with disabilities, the Open Division for youths, and the VVIP division for celebrities.

The marathon is organized by the Ajeromi-Ifelodun LG and Ifelodun Local Council Development Area.