Lagos City Marathon: Children Discourage Septuagenarian From Participating

Lateef Oseni, 71, who loves distance races says that his children complain about his participation in distance races including the Access Bank Lagos City marathon.
The 2019 edition of the race is scheduled for tomorrow.
Oseni, who ran the 10km race at the 2018 edition, told newsmen that his children were gradually beginning to understand his love for distance races.
“My children have been complaining about my participation in the marathon but I don’t mind what they say because I like it.
“Health-wise, it is good for me, I think they are gradually beginning to understand my love for distance races.
“I will continue to run until my body says no,’’ he said.
Oseni, a former member of the Nigeria Red Cross from 1965 to 2016, said that most times when he trained, people look at him like he was psychologically unstable.
“I have begun training for the 10km race but I have limited it to jogging round my house for a number of times.
“I did so because some times when I run in my environment, some people look at me like I am mad,’’ he said.
He also said that it would be encouraging if older participants like him could be given recognition and awards in subsequent editions.
“My children’s plea that I should stop running is enough to make me stop participating but I chose to ignore.
“It will not be a bad idea if the organisers can give older people like me special awards for even trying because I for one may not win a medal, but I always finish the race,’’ he said.
Oseni, who resides at Ebute-Meta said he also hoped to improve in the 10km race this year and at the same time catch fun healthily.