IAAF president Sebastian Coe to attend Lagos City Marathon

Sebastian Coe

President of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Sebastian Coe would attend the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on February 6, he has said.

The confirmation was contained in a statement by Olukayode Thomas, spokesperson for the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) on Saturday in Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub, Xinhua reported.

Solomon Ogba, the President of AFN, also confirmed the presence of the head of world athletics governing body at the Marathon.

Thomas, who is attending the Dubai City Marathon, said the AFN boss added the forthcoming race was generating huge interest across the world.

"I can confirm to you that the IAAF President, Sebastian Coe, has given us his words that he will be in Lagos for the maiden Access Bank Lagos City Marathon," he added.

"I am also equally pleased to see the kind of interest that the Lagos marathon is generating around the world," the statement quoted Ogba as saying.

It added that Paula Radcliffe, the world record holder in women's marathon had indicated interest to participate in 2017.

"I am happy to endorse the Lagos City International Marathon, I look forward to possibly working with you next year," the statement also quoted Radcliffe as saying.

It said that even in its maiden edition, the Lagos City marathon is guaranteed a star-cast with almost 70 elite athletes across the world guaranteed to compete.