Kenya’s Kering wins $50,000 prize at 2026 Access Bank Lagos Marathon

Kenyan runner Ezra Kipchumba Kering claimed the $50,000 top prize after winning the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday.

Kering clocked 2:11:55 seconds to secure victory in the 2026 edition of the Gold Label race, reinforcing the marathon’s status as one of Africa’s most lucrative road events.

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Podium Battle in Men’s and Women’s Races

The men’s race featured a tight contest for podium positions. Uganda’s Lomoi Samuel pushed Kering deep into the final stretch, finishing just four seconds behind in 2:11:59 seconds to claim the $20,000 runner-up prize. His compatriot, Namutala Lumbasi, clocked 2:12:25 seconds to secure third place and $15,000.

Among Nigerian athletes, Boyi Nyango emerged as the first local finisher in the men’s race, posting a time of 2:25:32 seconds.

In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Dinke Meleka took top honours in 2:37:36 seconds, ahead of Kenya’s Cheyech Daniel (2:37:43 seconds) and Ethiopia’s Zewdalem Getaw (2:38:59 seconds).

Government Backs Marathon’s Global Ambition

Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat commended the organisers for sustaining the marathon’s global relevance. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the event, highlighting its World Athletics Gold Label status and ambition to attain Platinum Label recognition.

“We are happy to host one of the biggest marathons in the world. The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is currently a Gold Label race, and we will do everything in our power to achieve the Platinum Label, the highest rank,” Hamzat said.

Deborah Badung made history as the first Nigerian woman to complete this year’s race, finishing in 2:55:46 seconds, as the marathon continues to blend elite competition with grassroots development and corporate investment in sport.

Access Bank earlier outlined the prize structure for the elite category, with $50,000 for winners in both men’s and women’s races, while Nigerian elite athletes compete for prizes ranging from N2 million for first place to N50,000 for tenth.