Lagos City Marathon: 68-Yr old Nigerian runner participated in 42km race

She said that it was not her first time of participating in sporting activities, adding that she had taken part in marathons outside the country in the past.

A sexagenarian, Abiola Oshodi-Adeniyibada, who not only participated in, but completed the 42km Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday commended the sponsors for organising the event.

Oshodi-Adeniyibada, 68, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the Teslim Balogun Stadium starting point of the race that her aim was to reach the finishing point.

She said that it was not her first time of participating in sporting activities, adding that she had taken part in marathons outside the country in the past.

``I am very happy to be part of this historic marathon which is the first of its kind in Lagos and the organisers deserve commendation.

``I did track and field when I was in high school and my love for sports brought me out to be part of this.

``If I get tired on the road, I will rest or probably enter one of the official buses, but I will definitely get to the finish point.

``I’m not here for the money but to exercise my body and also catch fun while participating,’’ the retired civil servant said.

When NAN reached the completion point at the Eko Atlantic, Oshodi- Adeniyibada had fulfilled her aim of finishing the race.

NAN reports that officials of the Police, Military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) provided security and ensured orderliness.

NAN also reports that the roads leading into the routes were blocked to prevent vehicles from causing obstruction, a development that caused gridlock all over the metropolis.

Also, NAN observed an object suspected to be a drone was seen flying over the routes.

A drone is an unmanned radio-controlled aircraft used for surveillance.