Heavy security presence on Marathon routes in Lagos

The routes for the 2nd Access Bank Lagos City Marathon were heavily policed by a combined team of several security agencies as the race started at 7 a.m.

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the agencies are the Police, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), DSS and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) backed up by motorised patrol teams.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) was also seen ensuring that traffic followed the mapped out alternative routes, so as not to cause gridlock and hardship for road users.

NAN also reports that the race in which no fewer than 55,000 athletes are participating in started at about 7 a.m at the National Stadium, Surulere.

The road from Adekunle Junction in Yaba, Costain going to Stadium and Ojuelegba axis was closed to motorists at 6.30 a.m.

As at 7.54 a.m., many of the Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes were spotted on the Third Mainland Bridge en route to the finish point.

The bridge also had security personnel, including Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI).

Traffic was also well managed by LASTMA as Adekunle Junction and its environs were well checked against traffic violations.

Also many ambulances and medical personnel were deployed at various points as well as following the runners.

Commuters were seen trekking to their destinations along the routes for the race.

Some athletes complained that there was no water for them to drink at Km 4 and Km 5, complaining that they were thirsty.

However, the bulk of the water provided was kept at Km 3 in spite of the promise by the organisers that there would be more water points.

But some of the officials were seen deploying water to the next water station to ensure that athletes could quench their thirst.

Meanwhile, commercial motorcyclists seized the opportunity of the race to make brisk business, especially on Ikorodu road.

They charged as high N300 for short distances and N1,000 for those going to Lagos Island.

NAN also reports that the race was generally peaceful with fans lining the routes and taking photographs of the participants as they cheered the athletes.

A large number of women, both old and young participated in this year’s edition with delight.

The first place winner in the international category will receive 50,000 dollars, while the second place will get 40,000 dollars and third place 30,000 dollars.