Second Edition of the Lagos City Marathon

So anyone who knows me knows I have a bucket list, don't ask me why I just do. Running a Full Marathon has been on my list for the longest time now. I have never felt ready enough to run a 42km even in my fittest/ skinniest state or in 2015 when I ran the most races. My longest race was a Half Marathon and I tried a test run with a running group in Lekki called the bridge Pacers. We ran/walked a 32km pre marathon training distance. Shout out to the Bridge Pacers family for always looking out for me. I really appreciate you guys. I guess I was done with procrastinating and I was just ready to get this Full marathon over with. On my way back to Nigeria in December, I stopped in Dubai and spent some time with my cousin Fikayo, we decided to register for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon. I did not train for the race (BAD IDEA). I got some random runs in between January and race day but that was nothing compared to the proper training plan needed to run a full marathon. Most training plans advise you to have between 4-6 months of training which would include speed work, tempo runs and long runs. Nutrition and hydration during training is also very important. Well, I didn't have that much time before the race and I really wanted to get this distance over with. So on February 11th 2017. I ran/walked my first full marathon and it was probably the most challenging thing I have put my body through both physically and mentally. I considered quitting like most people and just getting a ride to the finish line. But I kept reminding my self that pain is temporary but the feeling of regret will haunt me forever. February 11th 2017 was my first time running a race in Nigeria so really didn't know what to expect because all my previous races have been outside the country. I was happy when I heard about the Lagos city Marathon and I registered immediately because I needed to check a Full Marathon off my bucket list. The event was well organized but could have been better and I am happy we have events like this in Lagos now. I understand this is only the second edition... But there is always room for improvement. I appreciate the wonderful organizers and sponsors. I just have a few suggestions that can hopefully help with making next year's edition even better. ●Aquafina should try to use the smaller bottles for the marathon because the big bottles of water were wasted and it was sad to see how much water went to waste. Also I noticed lots of water stations in the first half of the race but towards the end where we needed it the most there was no water remaining. Thank God I had cash and I was able to buy water from street vendors ●42km is a long distance and after all the movement and drinking water to stay hydrated not everyone can hold their bladders, it would be nice if portable potties / mobile toilets are provided along the race course. Very important because I can't count the number of people I saw peeing on 3rd mainland bridge and along the race route. ● Better crowd control, because I saw lots of unregistered runners running with us. Also people joining the race at different parts and not from the starting point. ●I understand lots of Nigerians don't know what it takes to run or finish a full marathon because by like 12km lots of people were getting on buses to get to the finish line and that's fine cos everyone has a limit. I was quite disappointed that after finishing the race (with my legs) and getting to the finish line I was told the medals were finished. That really broke my heart because people that barely ran. And people that came in buses got medals. It was sad!!! I hope that is looked into. Based on the amount of people who registered the organizers should have gotten more than enough medals not sure what happened there. Overall it was a okay experience and I am glad I was able to RUN my city. I hope someone is able to look into this. And pray next year is bigger and better. Thank you and God bless Lagos and our dear country Nigeria.