Professional athletes like Debeodero Mustapha Olawale, a local technologist, and Vishal Raj, an expatriate living in Lagos, were among the passionate amateurs that attended the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon 2024.
Nine-year Nigerian employee of an FMCG firm, Vishal Raj, offered his distinct viewpoint on the race.
He declared, "This is my second 42-kilometer race and my fourth Access Bank Lagos City marathon."
Raj claims that the marathon presents an exceptional chance to take in Lagos' natural beauty.
"Everyone joined together throughout the run...We were able to witness the splendor of Lagos," he said, considering the harmony and friendship that the occasion had promoted.
“For me, winning is not important in the marathon…participation is more important,” he said, emphasizing the communal and personal benefits of the event.\
In a similar vein, another competitor, Debeodero Mustapha Olawale, described his return to marathon running. Olawale declared, "I've been a runner since I was in secondary school."
He mentioned how the marathon creates a sense of global community and unites people from different backgrounds, including those from abroad.
Hacey, a developmental health organisation, partnered with the marathon to offer support and free HIV/AIDS tests to athletes.
“The theme of this year’s race is ‘Run to End HIV’,” said Bamidele Oyewumi, the programme lead at Hacey.
Oyewumi highlighted the prevalence of HIV among young people and the importance of knowing one’s status.
“Our goal is to reach over 10,000 runners with information about HIV/AIDS and its management. It’s essential to educate young people about safe practices and available support,” Oyewumi stated.
The executive director of Hacey, Rhoda Robinson, underlined the campaign's focus on HIV awareness and management once more.
“Our antiretroviral therapy (ART) is free…we try as much as possible to ensure that for every person who is positive, that they are immediately placed on treatment.
“Our focus is on ensuring that people are aware of HIV, know how to prevent it, and understand that it’s a manageable condition,” Robinson said.
In the world of competition, Kenyan runner Bernard Sang won the $30,000 first prize in the Gold-Label 42-kilometer 2024 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.
Kebene Chala of Ethiopia won the women's division, and Shehu Muazu of Nigeria was the first person to cross the finish line and receive a N1 million cash award.
Over 81 elite runners from across the world competed in the marathon, which started at the National Stadium in Surulere and ended at Eko Atlantic City on Victoria Island. This indicates the marathon's increasing recognition as a major international athletic event.
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