Kenya’s Ezra Kipchumba Kering delivered a commanding performance to win the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday, completing the 42km race in an impressive time of 2:11:55.
Kering showcased exceptional focus and endurance throughout the race, pulling away with a well-paced run from the early stages to secure the crown. Despite his dominant outing, the Kenyan could not surpass the world record time of 2:00:35 set by Kelvin Kiptum at the Chicago Marathon.
The race flagged off at 6:30 a.m. from Orca Shopping Mall and concluded at Eko Atlantic, drawing thousands of runners who tested their endurance on the fast-growing global marathon course.
Among the home athletes, Boyi Nyango emerged as the first Nigerian man to cross the finish line, posting a time of 2:25:32 in a performance that drew loud cheers from spectators and reinforced Nigeria’s presence in the elite field.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Meseret Dinke powered to victory with a finishing time of 2:37:36, adding another medal to her growing collection. Her triumph means Ethiopian runners have now won the women’s title in six consecutive editions of the marathon, a testament to their continued dominance.
Dinke is no stranger to success in Lagos, having previously won the race in 2019 and 2021. Other Ethiopian champions in recent years include Guta Meseret Hirpa (2025), Kebene Chala (2024), Almenesh Herpa (2023), and Siranesh Yirga (2022).
Nigeria also had reason to celebrate as Deborah Badung made history as the first Nigerian woman to finish the race, clocking 2:55:46 in a determined effort that highlighted her resilience on the demanding course.
Organisers confirmed attractive prize packages for top finishers, with winners in the elite men’s and women’s categories earning $50,000, while substantial cash rewards were also set aside for leading Nigerian athletes.
Meanwhile, the 10km race, which began at Grace Garden Event Centre and ends at Eko Atlantic, is still ongoing as festivities continue across the marathon city.
More details will follow.
