Runners are gearing up for the physical demands of the race, journalists are scrambling for accreditation, and fans are eager for the electrifying experience that has defined the event over the years.

As the 10th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon approaches, excitement is at an all-time high already.

First Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Solomon Ogba, emphasized the race’s growing reputation, attributing its success to the organizers’ consistent innovation and commitment to excellence.

Beyond its name sponsor, Access Bank, the marathon continues to attract high-profile corporate backing.

Casio has been named the official time partner, while Airtel will serve as the official telecommunications partner.

Other major sponsors and partners include the Lagos State Government, World Athletics, 7Up, Rexona, Unilever, ROBB, Premier, Brila Media, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, FINERGE, and Aquafina, among others.

In the lead-up to the main event, fans will first enjoy the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon EXPO from February 3-13, running daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.

The excitement will then culminate on February 15th, when athletes take to the streets for the highly anticipated race, further cementing the marathon’s status as a premier global sporting event.

SURELY nothing can be more disheartening for a stable, and one that are in the middle of a purple patch at present, suddenly to find their star galloper is being transferred to another yard.

That has happened to trainer Dennis Yip, who has saddled winners at three out of the last four meetings but has lost last season’s Hong Kong Derby hero Massive Sovereign to up-and-coming trainer David Eustace.

Unfortunately, that is trait in HK racing, where loyalty has little or no meaning to those closely connected within the sport, and it’s a matter of taking it on the chin and moving on.

Former champion trainer Yip, who has held a licence for over 20 years, is experienced enough to shrug his shoulders and get on with the job of training winners, and he will look to his handful of gallopers lined-up at the Valley to put a smile back on his face.

It is interesting that champion jockey Zac Purton is aboard three of his contenders, and all can be given strong chances.

Former Australian galloper and Group Two placed Noisy Boy will relish stepping up to 11 furlongs in the Mars Handicap (11.10am), while View Of The World may appreciate the step back in distance for his first foray at the city track in division two of the Jupiter Handicap (12.40pm) over six furlongs.

The Yip and Purton partnership will surely be confident that the improving NORTHERN FIRE BALL can finally deliver in the first division of the Jupiter Handicap (11.40am), over the same trip.

The Australian-bred speedster has been hindered by a series of double-figure draws in recent races, and it probably cost him success when just denied in the closing stages over the course and distance last month.

This time the gods have been kind, allocating him gate two, which should allow him to bounce out in front and hopefully not see another rival.

London will be the “undisputed global capital for women’s sport” next year, the city’s Mayor Sadiq Khan has said.

The Women’s Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham on September 27 will round off an exciting series of events in the city.

England go into that tournament hoping to topple world champions New Zealand, and will tune up in the Six Nations in the spring. Their concluding match in that competition will also be held at Twickenham, on April 26.

The World Cup final in London is set to have a world-record attendance for a one-day women’s rugby event.

England’s footballers will warm up for their Euros defence in the summer by facing world champions Spain in a Nations League match at Wembley on February 26, while in June, Queen’s Club in west London will host a women’s tournament prior to Wimbledon for the first time in more than 50 years.

England’s cricketers take on India in a T20 international on July 4 at The Oval and a one-day international on July 19 at Lord’s. The Oval will also host finals day of the new women’s T20 Blast on July 27.

Khan said: “I’m so excited that London is set to be the undisputed global capital for women’s sport in 2025, with some of the world’s biggest events coming to our city next year.

“I am delighted that we will be playing host to the Women’s Rugby World Cup, while we will also see the historic return of women’s tennis to the Queen’s Club. This is in addition to world-class women’s cricket, football, netball, hockey, basketball and athletics in the capital.

“I would urge Londoners to take up the opportunity to attend some of these amazing events, cheering on our top athletes and sportswomen. Ensuring London hosts many of the world’s leading sporting events is an important part of our work building a better London for everyone.”

The Netball Super League Grand Final will be played at the O2 Arena on July 6 while female stars will also feature prominently at the London Athletics Meet on July 19.