2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: Top stars arrive, set for showdown

George Aluo

Top runners from across the world expected to add sparkle to the 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon are now in town and raring to go.

While some are making a return to compete in the IAAF Bronze Label race, others will be making their debuts, but nonetheless looking forward to snapping up the 50,000 USD 1st prize up for grabs at Saturday’s race.

Though the elite athletes are predictably and mostly from Kenya, there are also other top runners from Ethiopia, Morocco, Uganda, Australia, USA and Poland among many other countries that would be running on Saturday.

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In a statement issued by Olukayode Thomas, Head of Communications and Media for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, the strong cast of runners for this year’s marathon is a big plus.

“The elite athletes started arriving, on Thursday, while others came in today, it is a big plus that the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is commanding this number of quality athletes, it should help in our quest to improve to a silver label.” Thomas noted.

Among those that have arrived and would be taking a shot at the top prize in Saturday’s race is Patrick Kipyegon Terer.

Terer has won races across the world from Prague to Turin in Italy and has equally fared well in other international races in Israel, France, China and Canada among many other places.

Also in town is Moses Kigen Kipkosgei who finished in third place at the 2010 New York Marathon.

Agnes Jeruto Kiptocich, the runner-up at the 2017 Paris Marathon has also arrived with the mission to dethrone Herpa Almenesh Guta who won the women’s race at the 2018 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

The Nigerian elite athletes have also arrived in Lagos as they look to at least break into the overall top 10 this year.

Since its inception, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has not just been about running but the very best of entertainment has also been a regular feature.

The 2019 edition will not be any different.

While many are already aware that the duo of D’Banj and Teni will be performing at the finish point of Saturday’s race, another energetic performer based in the United States, Brite Benson a.k.a Local Boy has been added to the list of artists that would thrill the fans.

Benson who is returning to Nigeria after almost 17 years in America said he is in town majorly for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon and he is eager to unleash what he has for the Lagos fans.

“Yes, I am in Nigeria just for this, I paid my way here to support the Lagos Marathon and to also showcase by talent to Nigerians.” He said.

An Afro-pop artist, the ‘Local Boy’ as he is fondly called revealed that he has done a couple of songs with both American and African artistes; including the likes of CDQ, Davido and D’Banj.

Lagos fans will have the honour of being the first set of audience in the world to listen to the new single ‘Sokoyokoto’ just released by Local Boy.