East African supremacy persisted at the Lagos City Marathon on Saturday, as Kenyan and Ethiopian runners won the men’s and women’s races in the 2026 edition.

Kenya’s Ezra Kipchumba Kerin displayed remarkable stamina to clinch victory at the 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 55 seconds. Kerin broke away from a strong elite field with a blend of tactical discipline and composure, sealing a commanding finish at Eko Atlantic City.

In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Meseret Dinke claimed first place in 2 hours, 37 minutes, and 36 seconds.

Their victories underline the continued dominance of East African athletes — particularly Kenyans and Ethiopians — who have long excelled at the Lagos Marathon and in major road races worldwide.

The outcome mirrored last year’s results, when Kenya’s Edwin Kibet won the men’s race and Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa secured the women’s title.

Now in its 11th edition, the Lagos City Marathon has consolidated its status as one of Africa’s premier road races, attracting thousands of participants from across the continent and beyond. Since its inception in 2016, the event has combined elite competition with mass participation, while promoting fitness, community engagement, and social cohesion.

Despite early morning rain, the marathon commenced promptly, with the elite 42-kilometre race starting at 6.30 a.m. from Orca Mall along Ahmadu Bello Way. The route wound through major parts of Lagos before culminating along the Atlantic coastline, where large crowds gathered to cheer the finishers.

The marathon is also noted for its generous prize fund, with leading athletes competing for substantial rewards, including a winner’s purse historically set at 50,000 US dollars. Officials stated that full results — covering the women’s category, Nigerian champions, and all podium finishers — would be published on the marathon’s official platforms.

In addition to the main event, a 10-kilometre fun run drew recreational runners and fitness enthusiasts later in the morning.

Commenting on the race, Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), described the Lagos City Marathon as one of the “cleanest races” hosted by the state. He called for increased investment and collaboration, noting that the event aligns with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Dikko added that the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, had initially expressed reservations about using the coastal highway for the marathon, but said the event’s success demonstrated the quality of work executed on the road.

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said: “When a global marathon is mentioned, Lagos is mentioned.”

He observed that communal participation was somewhat limited this year due to the race’s location, and urged young people to engage more actively in such events. “We cannot be a nation of complainants but of participants,” he emphasised.

Hamzat also highlighted the potential for Nigerian athletes to excel beyond East African dominance, stressing that local runners could achieve success with proper training. He noted that a special award is presented to the first Nigerian finisher to encourage home-grown talent.

Innocent Ike, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, sponsors of the marathon, reflected on the event’s growth. “This is a dream that started 11 years ago, and it’s a delight to see how far the race has come,” he said. He added that Nigerians require continued encouragement to embrace fitness, and pledged the company’s sustained support.

Paul Tega, a former marathon champion, praised the competitors. “The marathon is not a walk in the park. I am proud of the runners,” he said, congratulating both the winners and the organisers on a successful event.