Kenyan long-distance runner Ezra Kering delivered a commanding performance on Saturday to win the 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, crossing the finish line in 2:11:55 to claim the $50,000 top prize.
The 40-year-old athlete, who secured gold at the 2025 Borobudur Marathon with a time of 2:17:27, shaved six seconds off his previous best to clinch victory in Lagos.
The men’s race witnessed a historic shift as Ugandan runners broke the long-standing dominance of Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes by securing second and third positions for the first time in the marathon’s history. Uganda’s Lomoi Samuel finished closely behind Kering in 2:11:59 to earn the $40,000 second prize, while compatriot Namutala Lumbasi claimed third place in 2:12:25, pocketing $30,000.
In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Dinke Meleka emerged champion after finishing in 2:37:36. It marked her second major marathon triumph, following her victory at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2022, where she posted a time of 2:24:04.
Kenya’s Cheyech Daniel secured second place in 2:37:43, while another Ethiopian, Zewdalem Getaw, came third in 2:38:59.
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, praised the organisers for sustaining the marathon’s global profile.
Hamzat described the race as one of the largest in the world, noting that it currently holds a prestigious Gold Label status and expressing optimism that it would soon attain Platinum Label recognition — the highest classification.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting sports development and youth engagement in Lagos, stressing that the administration would continue to prioritise initiatives that empower young people.
