For being there for the over 30,000 athletes who turned up for the 2nd Access/Lagos Marathon which held over the weekend, 7Up and Aquafina premium table water, the official beverage and water, respectively, of the marathon, have been thumbed up by the Lagos State government and participants.
The manufacturers provided the necessary tonic for great performance by the athletes, as they took to the 42.5km race, from the starting point at the National Stadium, Surulere, to the finish line at Eko Atlantic City Victoria Island, by availing them of 20 water points and 10 refreshment booths.
While the state governor, Akinwumi Ambode, thanked the sponsors for their input and encouraged all hands to be on deck to make the marathon attain bigger status, attract more marathoners from all over the world and make more Nigerian athletes participate, the head of marketing, 7Up Bottling Company Plc, Mr. Norden Thurston, said both lifestyle brands inspired the athletes.
“This is the synergy between our brands and the Lagos City Marathon, as we partner with Lagos State government to ensure that Lagosians cultivate a youthful lifestyle through physical and leisure activities like the Marathon,” he said.
Managing director of 7Up Bottling Company Plc, Mr. Sunil Sawhney congratulated the winners in the male and female categories and Team 7Up for putting up an excellent performance.
According to Sawhney, though both products were the official beverage and water, respectively, of the Lagos City Marathon, his organisation identified with the Lagos Mega City project; hence, its partnership with the Lagos State government to realise this objective.
Abraham Kiptum of Kenya retained the title he won last year with a cash prize of $50,000, Ronny Kipkoech Kiboss (Kenya) won $40,000, while Kiprotich Kiroi(Kenya) came third and won $30,000.
In the female category, Kenyans Tanui Rodah, Fridah Lodepa and Alice Timbilil came first, second and third, respectively.
Nigerian runners Philibus Sharubutu and Olude Fadekemi won in the male and female categories, respectively and bagged N1m cash each.