Nilayo Sports Management Limited, organisers of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, has expressed regret and outlined plans for re-distribution following an “unexpected and dangerous crowd surge” at the 10KM medal collection point of the race. The incident, which occurred after the race on Saturday, February 14, led to the temporary suspension of medal issuance due to safety concerns.

The organisers, in a statement released on Sunday, extended their “deepest appreciation” to the tens of thousands of participants but acknowledged the “sincere concern” regarding the surge. The decision to halt medal distribution was taken “solely as a safety precaution to prevent potential injuries,” with Nilayo Sports Management expressing heartfelt wishes to all affected.

A significant contributing factor to the congestion was identified as an influx of individuals attempting to access medals before the 10KM race officially began, alongside “unauthorized participants” using bibs from previous marathon editions. This “desperation to obtain medals” from illegal runners “significantly intensified congestion,” according to the statement.

In response, Nilayo Sports Management has activated “robust plans for an immediate and orderly medal re-distribution exercise.” Verified runners will be able to collect their medals by presenting their original race bibs at designated collection points, where “strict queuing protocols, enhanced volunteer presence, and reinforced security measures will be in place.” A comprehensive schedule will be communicated shortly via official marathon channels.

Looking ahead, additional safeguards, including more trained volunteers, controlled queuing barriers, and strengthened coordination with security agencies, are being implemented to ensure smoother and safer post-race processes. An internal review of the medal distribution framework is already underway.

The organisers apologised “unreservedly to actual 10KM runners who were inconvenienced” and reaffirmed their commitment to resolving all outstanding medal collection concerns “promptly, transparently, and fairly.” They assured the running community that “every deserving finisher will receive their medal after due verification.” (LEADERSHIP, but headline reworked)