The 9th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, set for February 10, is generating significant buzz with the confirmation of 88 elite runners.

This robust turnout sets the stage for a highly competitive and potentially record-breaking event.

Yusuf Ali, Race General Manager and former African record holder in the Long Jump, expressed optimism about the event’s trajectory in an official statement on Tuesday.

“The confirmation of over 88 Gold Label runners is a positive development for the 9th edition,” he remarked. “As we prepare for the 10th edition, our goal is to elevate the race from Gold Label to Platinum Label status.”

The caliber of athletes confirmed for the event underscores the ambition of achieving Platinum Label status.

This prestigious designation demands that five elite runners complete the marathon within 2 hours and 8 minutes.

Among the top contenders are Demis Kipmeto of Kenya, a former world record holder with a personal best of 2:02:57, Kelkile Gezahegn of Ethiopia with a 2:05:56 personal best, and Kiptoo Edwin of Kenya boasting a personal best of 2:06:52.

Additionally, Valery Jemeli of Kenya leads the female contingent with an impressive 2:19:00 personal best.

In addition to the elite competition, the 9th Lagos City Marathon embraces inclusivity and social impact with the participation of 15 refugee runners.

Bukola Olopade, CEO of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, the race organizers, highlighted the significance of this inclusion:

“The United Nations has confirmed the participation of 15 refugee runners. We are proud to offer them a platform to showcase their talent and determination.”

In attendance at the press conference announcing the marathon, Brila Media Chief Operating Officer, Debbie Larry-Izamoje, represented by the company’s Brand and Corporate manager, Oludolapo Showunmi, reiterated the support for the big event and how it aligns with the operations of the sports media giant.

“Everything Lagos City Marathon stands for aligns with Brila Media. There is the sportainment part, the development of the physical body and everything and also the healthy, competitive banter.

“While the running is going on, we do radio coverage, we’ve grown explosively on digital media, so other than the radio coverage you will be hearing, there will be a lot of digital content and we are ready to tell the stories of the greatness that will happen tomorrow.”