
Former World marathon record holder, Dennis Kimetto will be the man to watch at the 9th edition of the Lagos City Marathon slated for this coming Saturday (10) in Lagos, Nigeria.
The 40 year-old became the first man in the world to run under 2:03 on September 28, 2014 as he broke the world record at the Berlin Marathon with a time of 2:02.57.
Kimetto who has not won any race since the 2015 third place finish at the London Marathon and has dropped out of four races which he has taken part including two Major marathons, Boston and Chicago due to knee injury, will be the star to watch in Lagos as he will face the 27 year-old Kelkile Gezahegn of Ethiopia who comes to this race with the second fastest time on paper of 2:05.56 that he got six years ago at the Rotterdam Marathon where he finished in third place.
The three elite athletes have been assembled together to chase the race course record of 2:10.23, set four years ago by Kenya’s David Barmasai.
The Race General Manager and former African record holder in the Long Jump, Yusuf Ali while speaking to the press on Tuesday said, “The confirmation of over 81 Gold Label runners is a positive development for the 9th edition, as we prepare for the 10th edition, our goal is to elevate the race from Gold Label to Platinum Label status.”
Beyond the elite competition, the 9th Lagos City Marathon welcomes the participation of 15 refugee runners, demonstrating the event’s commitment to inclusivity and social impact.
“The United Nations has confirmed the participation of 15 refugee runners,” said Bukola Olopade, CEO of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, the race organisers.
“We are proud to offer them a platform to showcase their talent and determination.”
The race will also serve as a qualifier for the forthcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, adding another layer of significance to the event.
LEADING TIME
42KM MEN
- Dennis Kimetto (KEN) 2:02.57
- Kelkile Gezahegn (ETH) 2:05.56
- Edwin Kiptoo (KEN) 2:06.52
Author
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John Vaselyne is the founder of Athletics News. Africa’s only Independent Athletics News website. He has covered World U18 and U20 Championships, World Cross Country Championships, Four Continental Tour Gold Series, Wanda Diamond League. He has passion for the Sport and has over seven years experience in this area of sport. He is also the Leading Athletics Pundit in the Country, having been hosted in ALL leading TV stations in Kenya
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