Thomas, who gave a post-race review of the maiden marathon event held in Abuja city on Saturday, said the the resurgence of long distance racers in Nigeria in the past few years indicated that the country would get reckoned with in the sport soon.

“Over the past few years, we have witnessed young athletes in the country turning out in large numbers for marathon events and I think this gives some hope for the future. All we need do now is to encourage the young talents by drawing up concise programmes for their development,” he also said.

Kenya’s Emmanuel Naibet and Bahrain’s Ruth Jebet made history as the first male and female winners respectively of the maiden Abuja marathon.

Naibet, who returned with the time of 2:13: 45, had won the 2021 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

Thomas however said the top prizes being swept by foreigners would inspire Nigerian athletes to excellence.

“We expect a different scenario at the 2024 edition of the Abuja marathon and I am positive of our athletes making a great mark,” he also said.

Over 20,000 persons registered for the Abuja event where runners participated in the 18km, 10km, 5km and Fun Race.

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According to the travel advisory issued by Titi Oshodi-Eko, spokesperson for Lagos State Sports Commission, there will be road closures while alternative routes had been provided for 12 hours on Saturday.

She said that some roads would be totally or partially closed for the race.

“Some parts of the metropolis will be shut for safety of thousands of runners, cheering fans and residents.

“There will be total closure of Third Mainland Bridge from 7.15 a.m. to 2p.m.

“Alaka Road Service lane will be closed from 5.45 a.m. to 7.30 a.m; National Stadium to Ojuelegba, Dormanlong Bridge, Onipanu, Obanikoro and Anthony will be closed from 6.45. a.m. to 9 a.m.

“Anthony to Charly Boy Bus Stop to Oworonsoki will be closed from 7.15 a.m. to 9 a.m; from Adekunle Junction linking the Third Mainland Bridge will be closed from 7.30 a.m. to 2p.m.

“Alternative routes have been provided to ease movement of residents  who may not be watching the marathon live on television because they have urgent personal businesses to attend to,” she said.

She also said that for  thousands who might  want to join at the finish,  entertainers including the best of Nigerian musicians would  be performing.

“All vehicles from Ikeja and environs heading  to Victoria Island must go through Ikorodu Road, while vehicles from Badagry, Mile 2 and environs going to Victoria Island must go through Apapa and Orile to link the Eko Bridge to Victoria Island.

“Residents of Lagos Mainland, Surulere and environs must avoid Masha Area and the National Stadium but can link Victoria Island through Iponri/Iganmu, Eko Bridge then on to Victoria Island.

“Vehicles coming from Ibadan, Mowe and environs can link Victoria Island through Ojota, Ikorodu Road, Eko Bridge to Victoria Island.

“Vehicles from Okota must  go through Mile 2 to Orile, Eko Bridge to Victoria Island,” she  said.

She added: “From Sango-Otta, those going to Victoria Island must go through Mushin, Funso Williams Avenue (Western Avenue) Eko Bridge to Victoria Island.

“Vehicles coming from Epe, Ajah, Lekki and environs must use the alternative route to Victoria Island, while Ikoyi residents going to the Mainland can use the Alfred Rewane (Kingsway Road) link to Osborne then to the Mainland, ”  she said.

She thanked the people of Lagos for their cooperation and understanding.

Source: NAN

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