The 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon witnessed a continuation of East African supremacy, with Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes claiming the top spots in the men’s and women’s races, respectively, in front of cheering crowds along Lagos’ Atlantic coastline.

Kenya’s Ezra Kipchumba Kerin demonstrated remarkable endurance and tactical brilliance, crossing the finish line at Eko Atlantic City with a winning time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 55 seconds. The seasoned runner gradually pulled away from a competitive elite field, combining steady pacing with strategic bursts to secure a commanding victory.

In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Meseret Dinke emerged victorious, completing the 42-kilometre course in 2 hours, 37 minutes, and 36 seconds. Her performance reinforced the persistent dominance of East African athletes, particularly Kenyans and Ethiopians, who continue to shape the landscape of major international road races.

The 2026 results mirror last year’s outcome, when Kenya’s Edwin Kibet and Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa took home the men’s and women’s titles, highlighting a consistent trend of East African excellence at the Lagos marathon.

Now in its 11th edition, the Lagos City Marathon has solidified its reputation as one of Africa’s premier road races. Since its inception in 2016, the event has combined elite competition with mass participation, fostering fitness, community engagement, and social cohesion across Nigeria and the continent.

Despite intermittent rain on Saturday morning, the marathon kicked off at 6:30 a.m., with elite runners setting off from Orca Mall along Ahmadu Bello Way. The course snaked through prominent districts of Lagos before culminating along the Atlantic coastline, where spectators gathered in large numbers to cheer finishers.

The marathon is also noted for its generous prize structure, with the top athletes vying for substantial rewards, including a winner’s purse historically set at $50,000. Marathon officials confirmed that full results, including podium finishers and Nigerian champions, will be made available on the official event platforms.

Beyond the main race, the event included a 10-kilometre fun run, attracting recreational runners and fitness enthusiasts eager to participate in the citywide celebration of sport.

Speaking on the occasion, Shehu Dikko, chairman of the National Sports Commission, described the Lagos City Marathon as one of the “cleanest races” the state has hosted. He urged increased investment and collaborative support, noting that the marathon aligns with the renewed optimism inspired by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Dikko also highlighted that Works Minister Dave Umahi had initially expressed reservations about using the coastal highway for the race but praised the quality of infrastructure that made the event possible.

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, lauded the marathon’s growing global profile, remarking, “When a global marathon is mentioned, Lagos is mentioned.” He encouraged greater communal participation, particularly among youths, and stressed the importance of nurturing Nigerian athletes to compete successfully alongside East African elites. The event continues to recognize homegrown talent with a special award for the first Nigerian finisher.

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat at the Lagos City Marathon 2026



In his remarks, Innocent Ike, Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Holdings Plc, reflected on the marathon’s growth over the past 11 years: “This is a dream that started 11 years ago, and it’s a delight to see how far the race has come.” He emphasized the need to sustain community engagement in fitness and pledged ongoing corporate support.

Former marathon champion Paul Tega praised the dedication of the competitors and congratulated both the winners and organizers for staging a successful and smoothly run event. “The marathon is not a walk in the park. I am proud of the runners,” he said.

With its unique blend of elite competition, mass participation, and community celebration, the Lagos City Marathon continues to strengthen its position as a landmark sporting event on Africa’s calendar, while inspiring a new generation of runners to push the limits of endurance.