Sports
Registration For Lagos City Marathon Virtual Race, Begins
The Project Consultant of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Bukola Olopade, has said thousands of runners who cannot participate in the 2021 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon because it’s an elite only race have started registering for the 10km virtual race.
Now in its sixth edition, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, the biggest one-day event in Africa, usually attracts over 100,000 runners but the number has been reduced to just 300 runners for the 2021 edition slated for April 10.
But thanks to Olopade, thousands of runners can now run the 10km virtually, from April 9 to April 11, 2021.
”I am thrilled to announce that we have commenced registration for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Virtual 10km Race, we completely understand that our runners who come in their thousands to participate yearly will miss the thrill of the event, this is why we have put together the virtual 10km race so that runners can still experience the camaraderie and health and wellness benefits running provides,” said Olopade, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited.
With strict Covid -19 guidelines in place, only 300 runners are allowed to participate in the physical race.
However, runners from across the world can still enjoy the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon from the comfort of their homes and their immediate environment by participating in the virtual 10km race.
Runners can participate by signing up for the virtual 10km on Finerge, all they have to do is download the mobile app on either Google Play or Appstore, register for the virtual 10km.
Runners can complete the race within three days, 9th April 2021- 11th April 2021. Race finishers will get a certificate to showcase their achievement.
The app will use GPS tracking to track the race and calculate the distance covered till the 10KM is achieved. E-certificates will be automatically generated when the race is complete.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.