Kenya’s Edwin Kibet wins $50,000 prize money at Access Bank Lagos Marathon

Kenyan athlete Edwin Kibet has emerged as the winner of the men’s category at the 2025 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, held on Saturday.

Kibet secured his second victory in the prestigious race, clocking an impressive time of 2 hours, 14 minutes, and 19 seconds, earning him the $50,000 first-place prize. The Kenyan runner previously won the marathon in 2023 with a time of 2:14:06.

In last year’s edition, Kibet finished third behind fellow Kenyan Bernard Sang, who won with a time of 2:16:49, and Cheprot, who placed second. This year, he dominantly reclaimed his title.

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

Kenya continued its dominance in the men’s race as Kipygon Hehemiah finished second with a time of 2:16:37, while Sang Benard Cheruiyot secured third place in 2:17:17.

The 10th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon saw over 37,000 athletes compete in both the 10km and 42km races. The race started at Western Avenue, National Stadium Surulere, and finished at Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island.

Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa Wins Women’s Race

In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa claimed victory with a time of 2:37:04, marking her first win in the competition.

She was followed by compatriot Aleminesh Herpha, who finished second in 2:38:01, while Kenya’s Jerono Peris secured third place with the same time of 2:38:01.

Nigerians Shine in Local Category

In the Nigerian category, Nyango Gyang Boyi emerged as the men’s winner, finishing in 2:25:41:58. Apart from winning ₦2 million as the first Nigerian to cross the finish line, Boyi also received $4,000 for finishing 8th overall.

In the women’s Nigerian category, Blessing Shambor Solomon secured first place, with Elizabeth Nuhu Power and Patience Dalyop Mwanvwang finishing second and third, respectively. Like Boyi, Solomon won ₦2 million for her achievement.

Lagos Governor Pledges More Support

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the 2025 marathon, promising that the state would provide more support to make the 2026 edition even bigger and better.

This year’s marathon featured seven Gold Label runners in the men’s category, including two Platinum-level athletes, while the women’s race saw five Gold Label runners and one Platinum competitor among the over 30,000 participants.

The Lagos City Marathon, which was upgraded to Gold Label status by World Athletics in 2023, continues to attract elite athletes worldwide, solidifying its reputation as one of Africa’s premier road races.