The 10km Marathon slated for Saturday, according to Tayo Popoola, the coordinator of Lagos Women Run, aims to support the Lagos State Government’s (LASG) initiative to increase tourism.
In an interview with newsmen, Popoola made the claim as part of preparations for the 7th Lagos Women Run, which is slated to take place on November 12, 2022.
She revealed that this year’s event was anticipated to draw no less than 25,000 people from a variety of backgrounds.
She pointed out that Lagos state was a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world because to the attention the state government gave the region, thus the race would serve to highlight the region’s tourism potential.
“Lagos has been the home of tourism in Nigeria and we thank the Lagos state government that have been supportive of things that will promote the state’s drive towards development.
“We also thank Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State who has been supportive of good initiatives like the Lagos Women Run.
“I can say that as Lagos is a tourism destination for all, it is also a home for all. We have a tolerant government that allows us to thrive in all of our endeavours,” she said.
Popoola added that any chance to promote the lovely city of Lagos would be beneficial because it could boast significant tourist attractions at par with those seen in places like Dubai.
“People travel to places like Dubai to see the skyscrapers and how they are able to turn the desert to a beautiful city.
“Also here in Lagos, we have something similar, as we want people to come and see how Lagos has turned its waters into a beautiful city.
“Aside from this, we have a conducive environment in Lagos that allows businesses and good initiatives to thrive without molestation and this is what we want to portray,” she said.
Similarly, the Chairman, Lagos State Athletics Association (LSAA), Solomon Alao, noted that the hard work and resilience of the organisers accounted for the race to have reached its 7th edition.
“For this race to reach its 7th edition, the organisers and its coordinator, Tayo Popoola must have done a yeoman’s job.
“This is a product of hard work and resilience on the part of the organisers who are ensuring that the tournament gets bigger in each of its edition.
“Lagos state will always give adequate support to laudable projects like this because it’s a means of empowerment for our women,” he said.
They will race via Ikoyi’s Awolowo Road on their way to the race’s finish line at the high-end shopping district of Akin Adesola, which will begin at Tafawa Balewa Square.
The runners will then pass through Bar Beach, Adeola Odeku, and connect with Ahmadu Bello before passing through Bonny Camp and finishing at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, originally Onikan Stadium, located on Lagos Island.
The Lagos Women Run winners will receive a cash award of N1 million, while the losers will receive additional consolation prizes.
The race will begin in Lagos Island’s Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) and conclude there at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (formerly Onikan Stadium).
