Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said the 2017 the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will  be special.

Ambode stated that Lagos would use the long distance athletics event to boost its economy and its image  as one of the best cities in the world.

According to the governor,  the biggest marathon events in the world are  being staged in glamorous cities with a  rich history.

He said, “There is the  New York City Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Paris Marathon, London Marathon, Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, Berlin Marathon and  Osaka Marathon. These are great cities and the target is to have Lagos mentioned along with great marathon cities.”

Ambode expressed his  delight at   the  Lagos City  marathon’s  as number two in Africa and 71st in the world.

“After only the first edition, we are happy to have been rated high. This time, I will be in charge of all the logistics to ensure everything goes  well for us,” he added.

The marathon is holding same year Lagos will be marking its 50 years as a state.