I have participated in eight marathon events worldwide — Sowore

The Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, on Monday revealed his keenness for sports, as he claimed to have participated in marathon events at different parts of the world.
Sowore, a guest at the 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Media Seminar held at the Sports Bar of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, challenged journalists on good reportage of the event.
The presidential hopeful said he had participated in several marathons across the world, including the 2017 edition of the Lagos City Marathon.
Sharing his experience during the road races, Sowore urged the organisers of the Lagos marathon for improved coverage of the event.
He said: “My experiences during marathons over the world are amazing. I have done eight marathons all over the world, including the one held in Lagos in 2017.
“My first note was that the coverage was inadequate, journalist covering the event should also get involved, and they need to get the right equipment for the road race.
“Use of substandard equipment should not be the norm, it is very essential to use sophisticated cameras for the coverage.
“When I had my own marathon in the US, I had my own camera strapped on my wrist, so as I am running the race, I am also covering the event as well.”
Sowore also challenged journalist to be actively involved in the race, adding that by so doing they were also keeping fit.
He added that other side attractions should be captured as well.
He said: “I want to say that the journalist themselves must be fit to run, so there should be a training for the journalist to keep them fit as well.
“Coverage must not only be focused on the runners alone, but other side attractions, the people on the sideways cheering the marathoners are also part of the race.
“Adequate covering of the side attractions brings diversity of broadcast into the event, and that is the reason I call on journalists to be clinical in their coverage as well.”
Earlier the Manager of the Lagos Marathon, Yusuf Ali, tasked journalist on the ethics, responsibilities and expectations during the event.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that awards were presented to the journalists who distinguished themselves during the last marathon.
The Best Journalist for the Television Coverage was presented to TVC Correspondent, Solomon Ajuziogu, while the best Print coverage went to Taiwo Adelu of the PM Express and Hameed Kolawole of Classic FM.