Kenya’s Ezra Kipchumba Wins 2026 Lagos City Marathon as Dr Obafemi Hamzat Leads Dignitaries

Kenya’s Ezra Kipchumba Kering delivered an impressive performance to emerge champion of the 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, clocking 2:11:55 to clinch the prestigious title. The 42-kilometre Gold Label race concluded at the iconic Eko Atlantic City, where the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat, led top government officials and dignitaries to receive the athletes at the finish line.

The marathon, now in its 11th edition, began at the Orcal Shopping Mall on Ahmadu Bello Way and traversed key sections of the Lagos coastal highway before culminating at Victoria Island. The event, officially known as the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, continues to enjoy global recognition, with backing from the World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria as it seeks elevation to Platinum Label status.

The marathon, now in its 11th edition, began at the Orcal Shopping Mall on Ahmadu Bello Way and traversed key sections of the Lagos coastal highway before culminating at Victoria Island. The event, officially known as the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, continues to enjoy global recognition, with backing from the World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria as it seeks elevation to Platinum Label status.

In the Nigerian elite category, Boyi Nyango finished strongly with a time of 2:25:32 to claim the ₦2 million prize. Ethiopia’s Meseret Dinke dominated the women’s race, crossing the finish line in 2:37:35. Although Kipchumba did not break the course record, his resilience and tactical discipline secured him a memorable victory in one of Africa’s most competitive long-distance races.

Among dignitaries present were Head of Service Olabode Agoro; Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende; Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu; and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko. The strong turnout reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to sports development, youth empowerment, and its vision of building a globally competitive sporting destination under the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.