As Lagos prepares to project itself tomorrow as a destination brand of choice using the 2023 Access Bank Marathon, the organisers of the event have announced that several critical roads in the metropolis would be closed to motorists to ensure a hitch-free event.
The two categories of the race which is set to hold tomorrow, Saturday, February 4th, 2023 will begin at 6:30 am and 9:30 am from different locations.
According to the organisers, there will be a total closure of Third Mainland Bridge from 6:25 am to 1 pm.
Alaka Service lane by Alaka Estate would also be closed from 12 am to 7:30 am. The National Stadium to Ojuelegba, Dormanlong Bridge, Onipanu, Obanikoro, and Anthony will be closed from 6 am to 8 am.
There would also be a closure From Anthony to Charly Boy Bus Stop to Oworonshoki from 6:15 am to 8:30 am. Adekunle junction linking the Third Mainland Bridge will be closed from 7 am to 1 pm.
The organizers have revealed that the race shall be in two categories with different “Start Points” and distances to be covered.
The first category of the Access Bank-Lagos City Marathon covers 42 km and shall commence from National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos on Western Avenue and Opposite Teslim Balogun Stadium while the finishing point will be at the Eko Atlantic City, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos. The flag-off time will be at 6.30 am while the cut-off time is by 1.30 pm
The second category of the race covers 10 km and starts from Grace Garden Events Place, Bisola Durosimi Etti, Lekki Phase 1, and finishes at Eko Atlantic City ( Finish Point). The flag-off time is 9.30 am and ends at 1.30 pm
A statement issued by the Commissioner for Transportation, Frederic Oladeinde reads “All adjoining streets and feeder roads leading to marathon dedicated routes shall be temporarily closed to traffic to ensure a hitch-free exercise and guarantee the safety and security of the athletes.”
On alternative routes to take, Oladeinde said all motorists from Ikeja and environs heading to Victoria Island should go through Ikorodu Road to Fadeyi to Funsho Williams to Eko Bridge.
He said motorists from Badagry, Mile 2, and environs going to Lagos Island should go through Apapa, Orile to link Eko Bridge
“Motorists from Mainland, Surulere, and environs should avoid Masha Area and National Stadium but can link Lagos Island through Iponri/Iganmu and Eko Bridge.
“Motorists coming from Ibadan, Mowe, and environs can link Lagos Island through Ojota, Ikorodu Road, Funsho Williams Avenue, and Eko Bridge
“Motorists from Okota, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway to Lagos Island should go through Mile 2, Orile to Eko Bridge
“Motorists from Sango-Otta going to Lagos Island should go through Mushin, Funsho Williams Avenue (old Western Avenue) to Eko Bridge
“Motorists coming from Epe, Ajah, Lekki and environs should use the Alternative Route to Ikoyi/Victoria Island (from Ikate to Ikoyi: take Freedom Road to Admiralty Road to link Cable Bridge (Ikoyi Link Bridge) and connect destination OR Nike Art Gallery to Iru and Victoria Island.
“Motorists from Ikoyi to Mainland can use Alfred Rewane Road (old Kingsway Road) to link Osborne Road to Third Mainland Bridge or Awolowo Road to Obalende Bridge and then Third Mainland Bridge,” he advised.
An Ambulance and medical station will be available approximately 200 meters after each main drink station on the Marathon route at 5km, 10km, 15km, 20km, 25km, 30km, 35km, 40km, and at the finish. Medics will also be present at every intermediary station.
Top artists and a selection of other activities will be available at the finish point to entertain the participants and supporters. Food and Beverage facilities will also be available here.
Worldwide marathons have become notable sport tourism events and have become a big tool for city branding. It is for this reason that more cities are launching races to promote tourism.