Kenyan long‑distance star Ezra Kipchumba Kering and Ethiopian marathon ace Meseret Dinke dominated the 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, reinforcing East African excellence in distance running at the 11th edition of the race in Lagos on Saturday.
Gatekeepers News reports that Kering sealed the men’s title in an impressive 2 hours, 11 minutes , and 55 seconds over the 42 km course that started early from Orca Shopping Mall and finished at Eko Atlantic City on Lagos’s Atlantic coastline. His performance earned him the top prize of $50,000 and marked him as one of Africa’s most consistent marathon performers this year.
Behind him, Ugandan athletes made history by finishing second and third in the men’s race, a sign of growing regional competition, with Lomoi Samuel clocking 2:11:59 and Namutala Lumbasi close behind at 2:12:25 to take substantial prize money.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Dinke continued her strong marathon legacy, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 37 minutes , and 36 seconds to claim the title. The win extended a multi‑year streak of Ethiopian women claiming the top spot in Lagos, with other nations like Kenya and Ethiopia also placing on the podium this year.
For Nigerian athletes, Boyi Nyango was the first male runner home with a competitive time of 2:25:32, while Deborah Pam Badung became the first Nigerian woman to finish the marathon this year in 2:55:46, earning praise from organisers for her effort.
The marathon, which carries World Athletics Gold Label status, is known for its generous prize structure including awards through eighth place in the elite field, and attracts elite runners from across Africa and beyond. Organisers also host a 10 km fun run, opening competition to recreational runners and fitness lovers.
The event not only highlights elite athletic performance but also promotes community participation, health and fitness, and Lagos as a premier destination for international road racing.
