Over 20,000 Runners Take Over Lagos for 11th Access Bank Marathon

LAGOS — The 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon commenced at dawn today, February 14, 2026, transforming the city’s arterial roads into a high-stakes arena for endurance. Over 20,000 elite and recreational athletes from 42 nations converged on Victoria Island to compete for a staggering $50,000 first-prize purse. For the first time in its decade-long history, organizers introduced a historic route change, shifting the 42km start to the ORCA Mall on Ahmadu Bello Way. Consequently, the World Athletics Gold Label race now traverses portions of the newly developed Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road before concluding at Eko Atlantic City. This strategic optimization aims to shave minutes off the course record and elevate the event to the prestigious Platinum Label status.

Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management, Yetunde Olopade, described this edition as a symbolic gateway into a new decade of sporting impact. The race serves not only as a physical challenge but as a significant projection of Nigeria’s organizational prowess on the global map. Furthermore, Group Head of Brand and Communications at Access Holdings, Maji, emphasized that the marathon has evolved into a vital national asset. Beyond the elite competition, the 10km “Fun Run” continues to promote healthy living and youth empowerment across the metropolitan area. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has deployed over 500 security personnel and LASTMA officials to manage the extensive traffic diversions across the Lekki-Ikoyi axis.

The massive logistical scale of the event necessitates a total vehicular lockdown of major intersections until 12:30 p.m. today. Transportation Commissioner Oluwaseun Osiyemi urged residents to utilize alternative routes as the marathon’s “rolling closure” moves toward the finish line. In a related development, the prize structure remains highly competitive, with the top Nigerian male and female finishers each set to receive N2,000,000. This deliberate inclusion strategy aims to bridge the performance gap between domestic runners and the dominant East African contingents. Furthermore, the partnership with global brands like 7Up and Aquafina ensures that over 20 hydration stations are positioned at critical intervals to safeguard athlete health.

Ultimately, the 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon represents a fusion of high finance, state diplomacy, and raw human grit. The successful execution of this landmark edition reinforces Lagos’ reputation as a resilient and world-class sporting hub. For the thousands of spectators lining the streets, the event offers a rare moment of civic unity and celebration. As the winners cross the finish line at Eko Atlantic, the city once again demonstrates its capacity to host Africa’s largest and most influential road race.