Kenya And Ethiopia Extends Their Lead At 2026 Lagos City Marathon

East African runners once again dominated the Lagos City Marathon, with Kenya and Ethiopia taking top spots in both the men’s and women’s races.

Kenya’s Ezra Kipchumba Kerin impressed on Saturday, winning the 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon in 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 55 seconds.

Kerin pulled ahead of a strong group of elite runners, showing both strategy and stamina as he crossed the finish line at Eko Atlantic City.

In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Meseret Dinke finished first, completing the marathon in 2 hours, 37 minutes, and 36 seconds.

Their victories continue the trend of East African dominance, particularly by Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes, who have consistently excelled in the Lagos Marathon and other major road races worldwide.

The results mirror last year’s outcome, when Kenya’s Edwin Kibet won the men’s title and Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa topped the women’s category.

Now in its 11th year, the Lagos City Marathon has grown into one of Africa’s most prestigious road races.

The event attracts thousands of participants from across the continent and beyond, combining elite competition with mass participation, while promoting fitness, community engagement, and social unity.

Despite rainy weather on Saturday morning, the marathon began at 6:30 a.m., with elite runners starting from Orca Mall along Ahmadu Bello Way.

The 42-kilometre course passed through key parts of Lagos and ended along the Atlantic coast, where crowds gathered to cheer the finishers.

The marathon is also known for its generous prize money, with winners historically receiving $50,000.

Full results for all categories, including the women’s race and Nigerian finishers, will be available on the event’s official platforms.

Beyond the main race, a 10-kilometre fun run drew recreational runners and fitness enthusiasts later in the morning.

Shehu Dikko, chairman of the National Sports Commission, called the marathon one of Lagos State’s “cleanest races” and encouraged more investment and collaboration in sports.

He noted that while Works Minister Dave Umahi was initially doubtful about using the coastal highway, the successful event proved the road was ready for major events.

Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat praised Lagos as a global marathon destination but urged greater participation from young people.

He also highlighted opportunities for Nigerian athletes to challenge East African dominance, pointing out that the first Nigerian finisher receives a special award to encourage homegrown talent.

Innocent Ike, CEO of Access Holdings Plc, the marathon’s sponsors, reflected on the race’s growth over the past 11 years and pledged continued support for promoting fitness in Nigeria.

Former marathon champion Paul Tega also lauded the competitors, calling the event “not a walk in the park” and congratulating both the winners and organizers for a successful marathon.

ALSO READ: Ethiopian Athlete, Guta Meseret Wins 2025 Women’s Lagos City Marathon