By BABATUNDE OGUNRINDE

Some international athletes, featuring in the 8^th Gold-Label Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, have expressed excitement at their involvement in the 42-kilometre race.

The athletes expressed happiness in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

According to them, the drive to be part of history serves as their major motivation.

Alex Lopes, a French international, who works as a journalist in Lagos, said he was determined to finish the race.

“I’m excited to be here. It is my first time and I intend to do the entire 42-km marathon.

“I do not want to miss out on the entire fun.

“My motivation is just to have fun and go the whole distance.

“I don’t feel any pressure because I am just here to have some fun,” Lopes said.

Another marathoner, Constance Duke from Germany, who is on a tour of Nigeria for five weeks, said he was happy to be part of the race.

Duke said he was not affected by any negative reports in the media about Nigeria.

According to him, he is in the country for the positives.

“It’s a great experience for me to be in Nigeria for the first time,’’ he said.

He describes the opportunity to feature in the marathon as splendid, exciting and rejuvenating.

“It promises to be a fun-filled day for me and I really appreciate the organisers who put this together,’’ Duke said.

Mark Zeng from China, who works in Lagos, said he was joining the race for the second time.

The Chinese said he would participate in the 10-km race only.

Zeng said he was featured in the run to energize himself and ensure a healthy body system.

“It’s an opportunity to exercise and to participate in a historical event such as the Access Bank Marathon.

“My motivation is just to have fun and enjoy good body exercise.

“This, I believe, is essential for a longer life,’’ he said.

NAN reports that no fewer than 50,000 athletes, inclusive of 76 first-class international runners, are featuring in the Marathon.

The race, which began at the National Stadium, Surulere, terminates at the Eko Atlantic City, Victoria’s Island, Lagos.

The elite International runners between the 1^st and 10^th positions would be paid in U.S. dollars while the local athletes from the first to 10^th positions would be rewarded in Naira.

NAN also recalls that Geleta Ulfata of Ethiopia won the 7^th edition of the Marathon.

Ulfata beat about 300 marathoners to claim the grand prize of $30,000. (NAN)

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