Kenya’s long-distance machine, Ezra Kering, ran like a man possessed on Saturday, slicing through the humid Lagos air to seize victory at the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.
With the precision of a metronome and the heart of a lion, the 40-year-old marathoner breasted the tape in a blistering 2:11:55, pocketing the coveted $50,000 prize and etching his name in gold once again.
Fresh from his gold medal triumph at the 2025 Borobudur Marathon in Indonesia where he clocked 2:17:27, Kering shaved six seconds off his previous record, proving that age is just a number when grit fuels the engine.
But beyond Kering’s masterclass, this year’s race delivered a plot twist worthy of a sporting thriller. For the first time in the history of the Lagos showdown, Ugandan athletes muscled their way into second and third positions in the men’s category—territory long monopolised by Kenya and Ethiopia.
Lomoi Samuel of Uganda chased Kering to the line, stopping the clock at 2:11:59 to clinch the $40,000 second prize. His compatriot, Namutala Lumbasi, followed closely with a time of 2:12:25, securing third place and $30,000. It was a bold East African reshuffle that sent ripples across the marathon map.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Dinke Meleka turned the streets of Lagos into her personal runway. She crossed the finish line in 2:37:36, claiming the women’s crown for the second time in her career. Meleka had previously reigned supreme at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2022 with a time of 2:24:04.
Kenya’s Cheyech Daniel came in second at 2:37:43, while another Ethiopian, Zewdalem Getaw, completed the podium in 2:38:59.
Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, showered praises on the organisers and reaffirmed the state’s unwavering commitment to the race.
“This is our competition and our race. We are happy to host one of the biggest marathons in the world.
“Probably there are not more than seven marathon races bigger than the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, which is on the Gold Label.
“By the grace of God, we will also achieve the Platinum Label, which is the highest.
“We will do everything in our power to continue to support sports in Lagos and be at the forefront of youth engagement.
“Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is doing everything possible to ensure that the youths get the right attention, and we are open about it.
“Our phone numbers are in the public domain for any support,” he said.
