To ensure that Lagosians follow the 2017 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, has called for the creation of Marathon Fun Parks in Lagos during the 2017 edition slated for February 11. The Marathon Fun Parks will give Lagosians who cannot make it to the finish line or line the route to cheer the runners an opportunity to be part of the event in a relaxed environment that is fun filled and gives room for bonding. Ambode charged the Marathon Organizing Committee headed by Mr. Victor Etuokwu to work out modalities and look at the possibility of having about two fun parks for the 2017 edition at Falomo or Teslim Balogun Stadium. The parks will give Lagosians the opportunity to watch one of the top 100 marathons in the world in a relaxed atmosphere with food, drinks and entertainment by their favourite musicians. General Manager Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Yussuf Alli, praised Ambode’s initiative of introducing fun parks as a means of taking the culture and marathons to the grassroot especially in the outskirts of Lagos. “The benefits of marathons and road races are immense, the health benefits of walking, jogging, and running are immense as they prevent and cure many illnesses and diseases especially diabetes, hypertension and even cancer,’’ Alli said. He however warned that most Nigerians, unfortunately, don’t walk or even jog. He said: “Okada is killing many Nigerians. Bikes will take them from the front of their houses and drop them at their destinations, we don’t exercise at all. Waste and sugar that could have been lost by walking, jogging or running are stored in the body causing serious damages and leading to terminal diseases’’. The former national athletics captain said Lagosians and Nigerians in general will benefit immensely if they embrace the culture of marathon that Ambode is building and make it a way of life, “Walking, jogging and running produce healthier citizens, thus less spending by individuals, family and government on healthcare, it is a win-win situation for everybody,’’ said Alli.

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