Kenyan runner Ezra Kering on Saturday won the 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 55 seconds to claim the $50,000 prize money.
The 40-year-old Kering, a gold medallist at the 2025 Borobudur Marathon in Indonesia, improved on his previous timing by six seconds.
For the first time in the race’s history, Ugandan runners finished in second and third positions in the men’s category, displacing their Kenyan and Ethiopian rivals. Lomoi Samuel clocked 2:11:59 to win the second prize of $40,000, while compatriot Namutala Lumbasi finished third in 2:12:25, earning $30,000.
In the women’s category, Ethiopian Dinke Meleka won in 2 hours, 37 minutes, and 36 seconds, securing the championship for the second time in her career. She previously won the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2022.
Kenyan Cheyech Daniel finished second in 2:37:43, while another Ethiopian, Zewdalem Getaw, placed third in 2:38:59.
Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the organisers and assured continued government support.
“This is our competition and our race. We are happy to host one of the biggest marathons in the world. We will do everything in our power to continue to support sports in Lagos and be at the forefront of youth engagement,” Hamzat said.
