Kenya’s Ezra Kering emerged winner of the 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday, clocking 2:11:55 to claim the $50,000 top prize in the men’s elite category.
The 40-year-old long-distance runner held his pace through the 42km course, crossing the finish line ahead of a strong East African field. Kering, who won gold at the 2025 Borobudur Marathon in Indonesia with a time of 2:17:27, shaved six seconds off his previous personal best to secure victory in Lagos.
The 11th edition of the race drew elite runners from across Africa and beyond, reinforcing the marathon’s status as one of the continent’s leading road races. The race began at Orca Shopping Mall, Eko Atlantic City, and finished at Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, with thousands of spectators lining major routes across Lagos.
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Ugandans Make History in Men’s Race
This year’s men’s category produced a notable shift in the leaderboard. For the first time in the history of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Ugandan athletes claimed both second and third positions.
Lomoi Samuel finished second with a time of 2:11:59, just four seconds behind Kering. His compatriot, Namutala Lumbasi, placed third in 2:12:25. They earned prize money of $40,000 and $30,000 respectively.
In previous editions, podium spots had largely been dominated by Kenyan and Ethiopian runners. The strong showing by the Ugandan duo added a new chapter to the competition’s history and signaled growing depth in East African distance running.
Among Nigerian athletes, Boyi Nyango was the first local runner to cross the finish line in the men’s category, recording 2:25:32.
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Meleka Leads Ethiopian Charge in Women’s Category
In the women’s elite race, Ethiopia’s Dinke Meleka claimed victory with a time of 2:37:36. It marks another strong performance in Lagos for the experienced runner.
Meleka has previously won major races, including the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2022, and remains one of Ethiopia’s consistent long-distance competitors. Kenya’s Cheyech Daniel finished second in 2:37:43, while Ethiopia’s Zewdalem Getaw placed third in 2:38:59.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the organisers and reaffirmed the state government’s support for the marathon.
He described the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon as one of the biggest road races globally and expressed optimism about achieving the Platinum Label status in the future. He added that the state would continue to support sports development and youth engagement.
Organisers had earlier described the 11th edition as the start of a new decade for the marathon, with continued backing from corporate sponsors and the Lagos State Government.
With another successful race concluded, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon continues to strengthen its place on the international athletics calendar.
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