The 2026 version of the Access Bank Lagos Metropolis Marathon got here to an exhilarating conclusion on Saturday, delivering a day full of intrigue, suspense, motion, love, and world-class leisure as over 25,000 athletes converged on Nigeria’s industrial capital for Africa’s premier highway race.
Kenyan sensation Ezra Kering powered to victory, breasting the tape in a formidable 2:11:55 to say the coveted $50,000 first prize.
In a race marked by tactical brilliance and a dramatic ultimate stretch, Uganda’s Lomoi Samuel adopted intently in 2:11:59, incomes $40,000 for second place. Fellow Ugandan Namutala Lumbasi accomplished the rostrum sweep with a robust end in 2:12:25, taking dwelling $30,000.
Within the ladies’s race, Ethiopia reigned supreme as Dinke Meleka surged to victory in 2:37:36, demonstrating poise and energy to safe the championship title. Kenya’s Cheyech Daniel completed a detailed second in 2:37:43, whereas one other Ethiopian, Zewdalem Getaw, positioned third with a time of two:38:59.
Amid the elite worldwide competitors, Boyi Solomon emerged as the primary Nigerian to cross the end line, drawing loud applause from the house crowd and underscoring the rising energy of long-distance working inside Nigeria.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, recommended the organizers for delivering one more seamless and globally acclaimed occasion. He reaffirmed the Lagos State Authorities’s dedication to sustaining and elevating the marathon as a flagship sporting occasion.
Additionally in attendance had been the Chairman of the Nationwide Sports activities Fee, Shehu Dikko, the Director Common of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, and former Nigeria Soccer Federation President, Amaju Pinnick, amongst different dignitaries, additional underscoring the marathon’s nationwide and continental significance.
Past the elite competitors, the 2026 Access Bank Lagos Metropolis Marathon was a celebration of resilience, unity, and the colourful Lagos spirit. From novice runners chasing private bests to cheering households and company companions, the occasion remodeled town right into a carnival of athletic excellence and communal pleasure.
Acknowledged as a World Athletics Gold Label Race, the marathon as soon as once more cemented its standing as one of the prestigious long-distance occasions globally, attracting elite runners from throughout continents and reaffirming Lagos as a hub for worldwide sporting excellence.
