East African excellence continued at the 2026 Lagos City Marathon as Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes dominated the men’s and women’s races, echoing last year’s results.
Kenya’s Ezra Kipchumba Kering displayed remarkable endurance and strategy, winning the men’s race with a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 55 seconds. Racing through Eko Atlantic City, Kerin pulled ahead of a competitive elite field to secure a commanding victory.
In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Meseret Dinke crossed the finish line first, completing the marathon in 2 hours, 37 minutes, and 36 seconds. Their wins underscore the continued dominance of East African runners, particularly from Kenya and Ethiopia, in Lagos and other major international marathons. Last year, Kenya’s Edwin Kibet and Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa claimed the respective men’s and women’s titles.
Now in its 11th edition, the Lagos City Marathon has become one of Africa’s premier road races, attracting thousands of participants from across the continent and beyond. Since its inception in 2016, the event has combined elite competition with mass participation, promoting fitness, community engagement, and social unity.
Despite rainy conditions on Saturday morning, the marathon began promptly at 6:30 a.m. from Orca Mall along Ahmadu Bello Way. The course ran through key Lagos neighborhoods before concluding along the Atlantic coastline, where large crowds cheered the finishers.
Renowned for its generous prize fund, the marathon offered top athletes substantial rewards, including a winner’s purse historically set at $50,000. Full results, including Nigerian champions and podium finishers, will be available on the marathon’s official platforms.
Alongside the main race, a 10-kilometre fun run drew recreational runners and fitness enthusiasts later in the morning.
Commenting on the event, Shehu Dikko, chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), described the Lagos City Marathon as one of the “cleanest races” the state has hosted. He also highlighted the importance of increased investment and collaboration, noting the race aligns with renewed optimism under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Dikko added that Works Minister Dave Umahi had initially expressed reservations about using the coastal highway for the marathon, but the event’s success reflects the quality of the roadworks.
Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat stated, “When a global marathon is mentioned, Lagos is mentioned.” He noted that communal participation was somewhat limited this year due to the race’s location, encouraging more youth involvement. He also stressed that Nigerian athletes have the potential to excel in marathons beyond East African dominance, with a special award given to the first Nigerian finisher to promote local talent.
Innocent Ike, Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Holdings Plc, the marathon sponsor, reflected on the race’s growth: “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 importance of encouraging fitness within the Nigerian community and pledged ongoing support.
Former marathon champion Paul Tega praised the athletes, stating, “The marathon is not a walk in the park. I am proud of the runners,” and congratulated both the winners and organizers for a successful event.
