A frontline marathoner, Alex Kanu, yesterday gave pieces of advice on how to improve on the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, especially the starting block which he claimed to have been below standard.
The Namibia-based Kanu, who participated in the just-concluded marathon at the weekend said that though the start off was bad there were other positives to point out to.
“I had my desired race because I did prepare well enough, I ran with confidence and relaxation though I did not meet the expected time of return because I was unable to monitor.
“One of the things I will like the organisers to take care of is the starting point. The starting point was too rowdy which caused the stampede at the beginning of the race.
“This type of starting point is unacceptable, the escort should not have been in the midst of the runners, this was the reason for the stampede. The escort should have stayed beside.
“Giving the elite athletes is a required standard, while others join them, but the escorts should not have been within the runners,’’ he said.
Kanu, who has participated in Belgium, Holland, Namibia and South African marathons, however, said that the just-concluded marathon was a success comparatively.
“I have participated in many marathons across the world, including Belgium, Holland and when I came back to Africa, I participated in the Two Ocean in South Africa and Namibia.