The 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon got underway on Saturday, with runners already navigating major routes across Lagos State.
A video shared by sports photographer Sulaimon Adebayo, popularly known as Pooja, captured athletes in motion as the race began.
Organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited in partnership with Access Bank and the Lagos State Government, the marathon features both a 42-kilometre and a 10-kilometre race.
According to Access Bank, the 42km race started at Orca Shopping Mall, Ahmadu Bello Way, Eko Atlantic City, and will finish at Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, with a 6:30 a.m. flag-off. The 10km race began at Grace Garden Event Centre, Lekki, finishing at the same location, with a 9:30 a.m. flag-off.
Prize money
Elite international category (men & women): 1st – $50,000; 2nd – $20,000; 3rd – $15,000; 4th – $12,000; 5th – $10,000; 6th – $8,000; 7th – $6,000; 8th – $4,000.
Nigerian elite athletes: 1st – N2,000,000; 2nd – N1,500,000; 3rd – N1,000,000; 4th – N500,000; 5th – N200,000; 6th – N100,000; 7th–10th – N50,000 each.
10km Nigerian category: 1st – N500,000; 2nd – N400,000; 3rd – N300,000; 4th – N200,000; 5th – N100,000.
Currently a gold-label race, organisers are aiming to elevate it to platinum status, the highest global classification for road races, with only 16 events worldwide and none in Africa. The 2026 edition is expected to attract elite athletes from around the globe, consolidating its position as one of Africa’s premier road races.
Traffic and route management
Ahead of the marathon, the Lagos State Government announced road closures to ensure the smooth conduct of the races.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, explained: The 42km race will run from Ahmadu Bello (near MRS Gas Station) along the Coastal Road to the finish at Eko Atlantic.
The 10km race starts at Durosimi Etti, Lekki Phase 1, running through Ozumba Mbadiwe, Bishop Oluwole, Akin Adesola, and Sanusi Fafunwa to the finish line.
“All affected adjoining roads, junctions, and intersections along both race routes will be blocked from 12:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, 14 February 2026,” the government said. “LASTMA and other security agencies will man these roads to prevent other vehicles from accessing the race corridors. Motorists are urged to exercise patience as part of the traffic management plan.”
The marathon also enjoys support from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and World Athletics, as organisers continue their push to upgrade the event from gold to platinum label status.
