Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: A decade of growth and economic impact

Inception and Growth

In February 2016, Access Bank Plc, in partnership with the Lagos State Government, hosted the inaugural edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon. The primary goal was to promote a healthy lifestyle by encouraging people to engage in physical exercise.

A decade later, the Marathon has evolved beyond just fitness. Nigerians are reaping significant benefits, particularly in the economic development of Lagos and the country as a whole. At the same time, long-distance runners from around the world continue to enjoy the financial rewards that come with participating in the race.

Growth and Global Recognition

At its inception, the partnership was designed to support the country’s sports industry and promote a healthy and active lifestyle. The campaign was themed: ‘Running from the Old to the New’.

The first edition in 2016 attracted 50,000 registered participants and was ranked second in Africa—after the Cape Town Marathon—by All-Athletics.com. It also secured the 71st position among over 1,000 international marathons worldwide.

A major milestone was achieved in 2017 when the Marathon clinched the World Athletics Bronze Label after just two editions, making it the third marathon globally to achieve such recognition in such a short time.

Two years later, it earned the Silver Label, becoming the first marathon in the world to attain this status after only four editions.

In 2023, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon achieved yet another remarkable feat, securing the World Athletics Gold Label ahead of that year’s edition. This milestone made it the first full marathon in Africa to achieve this prestigious recognition and the 25th in the world to receive the coveted status.

The World Athletics Gold Label is awarded to races that meet the highest international standards in terms of organization, management, and quality of competition.

With this new status, expectations for the 10th edition are higher than ever. Organizers and sponsors have promised that on Saturday, February 15, 2025, they will deliver an event that surpasses previous editions in reach, impact, and magnitude—further proving the Marathon’s worthiness of its elite status and paving the way for a bid to achieve the Platinum Label, the highest rating any international marathon can attain.

Achievements Beyond the Track

Over the years, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has gone beyond sports to embrace social impact initiatives.

In 2023, the Marathon partnered with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to provide a platform for fundraising and awareness for refugees across Africa. For the first time, over 16 refugees from different countries, including Syria, participated in the race.

Access Bank Plc also collaborated with ParallelPoint Consult to execute a recyclable waste pickup initiative during a past edition, collecting 10,000 tonnes of waste and converting them into useful products.

Further demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility, Access Bank partnered with the Nigeria Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA) to launch a large-scale HIV/AIDS awareness initiative during the Marathon. This included education sessions, condom distribution, and HIV testing and counseling services for 5,486 participants, all aimed at preventing the spread of the disease.

Economic and Tourism Impact

The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has positively impacted various industries, empowering businesses and individuals alike. The hospitality sector, including hotels, food and beverage vendors, fashion designers, advertisers, and communication agencies, has benefited significantly. From planning to execution, the event engages technical officers, volunteers, and service providers, creating economic opportunities for many.

The entertainment industry has also played a vital role, while local artisans and entrepreneurs have leveraged the Marathon to showcase and sell African souvenirs along the race routes and off-site.

The event’s rapid growth is evident in the increasing number of elite and international participants. The 2018 edition hosted 35 Gold Label athletes, 12 Silver, and 13 Bronze Label athletes, alongside 120 international and 150 Nigerian elite athletes. These numbers do not include the tourists and supporters who attended the event.

By 2019, the Marathon had grown significantly, attracting 120,000 registered participants for the 42km race from National Stadium, Surulere, to Eko Atlantic.

Over the years, the Marathon has drawn more sponsors and participants, further elevating its status and global appeal.

Former Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, the late Herbert Wigwe, played a vital role in transforming the Marathon into what it is today.

Speaking about the Marathon, Wigwe once stated: “As one of the leading banks in Nigeria and indeed Africa, it is imperative for us to support the economic and social development of the communities in which we operate. Hence, we have sponsored the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon since 2016 to make Lagos State more attractive to tourists and foreign investors alike.

“We have also used this platform as an avenue to create opportunities and generate employment for thousands in the state.”

Since its inception in 2016, Nilayo Sports Management has been the sole organizer of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

In 2024, former Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports, Chief Bukola Olopade, who is now the General Manager of the National Sports Commission (NSC), emphasized that the economic impact of the Marathon extends beyond race day.

“These participants return to their home countries and share their experiences about Nigeria and particularly the city of Lagos. This is likely the most plausible explanation why the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has enjoyed exponential growth over the years. We at Nilayo Sports Management will continue to do our best to ensure this event keeps growing,” Olopade said.

Following his appointment as DG, NSC, Olopade relinquished his role at Nilayo Sports Management, passing the leadership to his wife, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, who has promised to deliver the best-ever event on February 15, 2025, a day after Valentine’s Day.

The Future of Marathon

Marathons worldwide have transcended being mere sporting events. They now serve as platforms for tourism, self-improvement, mental health awareness, and social interaction. Many people participate in marathons for reasons beyond fitness—such as boosting self-esteem, achieving personal milestones, and engaging in self-therapy.

For host cities, marathons present significant tourism and economic benefits. It’s no surprise that more cities are launching races to boost their global image.

Lagos, a vibrant cosmopolitan hub, has long been a prime tourist destination. The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon route has been strategically planned to showcase the city’s finest landmarks, including Eko Atlantic, a developing megacity that continues to capture global attention.

As the Marathon continues to evolve, it is set to reinforce its place as one of the most prestigious races in the world, further positioning Lagos as a global marathon destination.