Ezra Kering Wins Access Bank Lagos City Marathon
LAGOS — Kenyan powerhouse Ezra Kipchumba Kering delivered a masterclass in tactical discipline today, February 14, 2026, to secure the 11th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon title. Kering breasted the tape at Eko Atlantic City in 2:11:55, narrowly missing the course record but clinching the coveted $50,000 top prize. In a thrilling sprint finish that electrified spectators, Uganda’s Lomoi Samuel finished just four seconds adrift to take second place. This year’s edition, the first for Lagos as a World Athletics Gold Label race, showcased a grueling contest through the city’s high humidity. Consequently, the East African trio effectively locked out the podium, leaving domestic competitors to battle for local honors.
In the women’s elite division, Ethiopia’s Dinke Meseret Meleka reaffirmed her legendary status by claiming her third career victory in Lagos. Meleka clocked 2:37:36, navigating the damp, post-rain conditions with a composed stride that gapped the chasing pack by seven seconds. Furthermore, Ethiopia’s dominance in the female category remained unchallenged for the sixth consecutive year. Meanwhile, local sensation Boyi Solomon Nyango emerged as the first Nigerian male to finish, posting an impressive 2:25:32. This performance earned him a N2,000,000 local incentive, a strategic fund designed by organizers to stimulate homegrown talent.
The sheer depth of the field indicates that the Lagos City Marathon has successfully transitioned into a premier global fixture. Over 20,000 participants from 42 countries utilized the new route, which commenced at ORCA Mall and traversed the coastal road. In a related development, the Lagos State Government deployed nearly 1,000 security and medical personnel to manage the massive influx of visitors. Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat noted that the state remains fully committed to elevating the event to Platinum Label status. Such an upgrade would officially place Lagos among the top seven marathon destinations in the world.
Furthermore, the 2026 edition demonstrated a significant improvement in electronic timing systems and hydration logistics. Organisers, Nilayo Sports Management, introduced real-time digital tracking for the top 50 elite runners to enhance broadcast accuracy and transparency. This technological pivot aims to attract even faster times in future iterations by providing athletes with precise split-second data. Despite the rain-slicked tarmac, the injury rate remained remarkably low, thanks to the 20 hydration stations positioned at 2km intervals. Ultimately, the marathon continues to serve as a vital platform for projecting the city’s vibrant energy to an international audience.
While East African athletes still hold the technical edge, the 2026 race highlights a rising standard within the Nigerian athletic community. The local winners, Nyango and Deborah Pam Badung, have significantly closed the gap on the international elite’s pace. As the city recovers from the Valentine’s Day excitement, the focus now shifts to the 2027 race and the chase for the course record.