Kenyan and Ethiopian runners once again underlined East Africa’s long-distance supremacy at the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon 2026, as Ezra Kipchumba Kering and Meseret Dinke powered to commanding victories on Saturday, February 14, in Lagos.
Kering produced a composed and clinical performance to win the men’s elite race in 2:11:55, mastering the challenging urban course with disciplined pacing and a decisive finishing kick. Race sponsors, Access Bank, described his run as a “masterclass,” celebrating the dramatic sprint finish in their official statement: “Ezra Kipchumba Kering of Kenya storms across the line in 02:11:55 to claim victory… This is greatness in motion.”
In the women’s elite category, Dinke delivered a dominant display, crossing the line in 2:37:36 to secure the title and extend Ethiopia’s strong record in recent editions of the race.
The 2026 results mirror the 2025 podium, where Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes also claimed top honors, a testament to the region’s enduring strength in continental road racing.
Now in its 11th edition, the marathon attracted thousands of participants from across Nigeria and beyond, combining world-class elite competition with vibrant mass participation. Major roads across Lagos were closed to accommodate the race, underscoring its scale and growing significance.
While East African athletes swept the elite crowns, Nigerian runners impressed in the local category. Boyi Solomon Nyango finished as the first Nigerian man in 2:25:32, while Deborah Pam Badung led the Nigerian women home with a commendable 2:55:46.
With prize money of $50,000 awarded to each elite winner, the marathon continues to cement its reputation as one of Africa’s premier road races, a stage for global excellence and emerging homegrown talent alike.
