East African athletes maintained their stronghold at the Lagos City Marathon, with Kenyan and Ethiopian runners winning the men’s and women’s races at the 2026 edition.
Kenya’s Ezra Kipchumba Kerin produced an impressive display of endurance on Saturday, winning the men’s race in 2 hours, 11 minutes and 55 seconds. He broke away from a competitive elite field with tactical discipline and composure to secure victory at Eko Atlantic City.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Meseret Dinke claimed first place after crossing the line in 2 hours, 37 minutes and 36 seconds.
Their victories further highlighted the sustained dominance of East African runners, particularly Kenyans and Ethiopians, who have consistently excelled at the Lagos City Marathon and major road races around the world. The outcome reflected last year’s results, when Kenya’s Edwin Kibet and Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa won the men’s and women’s titles respectively.
Now in its 11th edition, the marathon has firmly established itself as one of Africa’s leading road races. Since its inception in 2016, the event has blended elite competition with mass participation, while promoting fitness, social unity and community engagement.
Despite early morning rainfall, the race started as scheduled, with elite runners beginning the 42-kilometre course at 6:30 a.m. from Orca Mall on Ahmadu Bello Way. The route passed through key areas of Lagos before finishing along the Atlantic coastline, where large crowds gathered to cheer the athletes home.
The marathon is also known for its lucrative prize money, with top runners competing for substantial rewards, including a winner’s purse historically set at $50,000. Organisers said full results, including Nigerian champions and all podium finishers, would be released on the event’s official platforms. A 10-kilometre fun run also took place later in the day, attracting recreational runners and fitness enthusiasts.
Speaking at the event, Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, described the marathon as one of the cleanest races hosted by Lagos State. He called for greater investment and collaboration, noting that the event aligns with the renewed optimism associated with President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Dikko added that Works Minister Dave Umahi had initially expressed concerns about using the coastal highway, but the successful race demonstrated the quality of the infrastructure.
Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat said Lagos now features prominently whenever global marathons are discussed. He observed that communal participation was slightly reduced due to the race’s location and urged young people to take a more active role in such events. He also stressed that Nigerian athletes could compete successfully at the highest level with proper training, noting that a special award recognises the first Nigerian finisher.
Meanwhile, Access Holdings Plc Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Innocent Ike, reflected on the marathon’s growth, describing it as a vision that began 11 years ago and has continued to flourish. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to promoting fitness and supporting the event.
Former marathon champion Paul Tega praised the athletes for their resilience, noting that marathon running demands immense physical and mental strength. He congratulated both the winners and the organisers on a successful 2026 edition.