AFCON 2025
Thousands of runners took to the streets of Lagos on Saturday, February 14, 2026, for the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.
Under sunny skies and humid conditions, Kenya’s Ezra Kipchumba Kering and Ethiopia’s Meseret Dinke emerged victorious in the men’s and women’s elite categories, respectively, continuing the East African stronghold on this prestigious World Athletics Gold Label event.
Organizers were thrilled with the turnout and the competitive nature of the race, with a spokesperson stating, “The progression I have seen at the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is truly phenomenal. Year after year, the race keeps improving in standards, organization, and global appeal, bringing greatness in motion to the heart of Lagos.”
The race commenced at the Orca Shopping Mall in Eko Atlantic City, with runners navigating a newly refined, fast course designed to maximize elite times. In the men’s field, it was a tactical masterclass from Ezra Kering.
The Kenyan athlete stayed tucked within the lead pack for the first thirty kilometers before making a decisive surge in the final stretch, crossing the finish line at Eko Atlantic grounds on Victoria Island with a time of 2:11:55.
Kering narrowly edged out Ugandan runner Samuel Lomoi, who took second place in 2:11:59, while another Ugandan, Namutala Lumbasi, secured third place with a time of 2:12:25. For his victory, Kering took home the top prize of $50,000 USD, while Lomoi secured $20,000 and Lumbasi earned $15,000.
The women’s race saw the return of a true Lagos marathon legend. Ethiopia’s Meseret Dinke cemented her place in history by securing her third Lagos title, following previous victories in 2019 and 2021.
Dinke commanded the pace throughout the final ten kilometers, finishing with a strong time of 2:37:36 to claim the $50,000 USD top prize. The competition was fierce behind her, with Kenya’s Cheyech Daniel taking second place and a $20,000 prize with a time of 2:37:43.
Third place went to Ethiopia’s Zewdalem Getaw, who finished in 2:38:59 to earn $15,000 USD. “A seasoned champion, she adds another medal to her collection today,” organizers stated regarding Dinke’s dominance.
Nigerian long-distance runner; Boyi Solomon Nyango was the first Nigerian man to cross the finish line, completing the course in a commendable time of 2:25:32.
In the women’s category, the seasoned Deborah Pam Badung led the local charge, finishing first among Nigerian women with a time of 2:55:46. For their efforts, the top Nigerian finishers took home N2,000,000 each, reinforcing the marathon’s commitment to developing homegrown talent.
