… As Hamzat Leads Dignitaries to Finish Line
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat, led dignitaries to the finish line of the 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon (ABLCM) at Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island, as Kenya's Ezra Kipchumba Kering, a long-distance runner, crossed the tape with a time of 2:11:55.
The Lagos City Marathon, a Gold Label race which has received the backing of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and World Athletics for an upgrade to the coveted Platinum status - began at the Orcal Shopping Mall, Ahmadu Bello Way en route to the Lagos coastal highway and terminated at the aesthetic Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island.
Now in its 11th edition, the Gold Label race saw the streets of Lagos filled with energetic and enthusiastic runners competing in one of the sought-after long-distance races.
In the Nigerian elite runners’ category, Boyi Nyango will go home with ₦2,000,000 following his finishing time of 2:25:32.
In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Meseret Dinke emerged first with a time of 2:37:35.
Although Kipchumba did not break the official record in the full 42km race, he demonstrated resilience, focus, and determination to secure victory.
This year’s edition was a special full marathon that took participants through a slightly different course from previous editions, showcasing Lagos' iconic sites and beautiful coastline, signifying the state’s contribution to achieving the highest recognitions in road racing and hosting a well-planned international event.
As a state of aquatic splendour, the Lagos State Government has consistently provided an enabling environment for a smooth and hitch-free race, which previously earned the full marathon a World Athletics Bronze Label in Africa after two editions and the first in the world to win the prestigious Silver Label after four editions.
The Head of Service, Olabode Agoro; Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende; Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Damilare Orimoloye, and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Sports, Adebanji Atewogboye, were present at the event.
Others in attendance included the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko; Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, and Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Grassroots Sports, Anthony Adeyinka.
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