Manny Ita –
Kenyan long-distance runner Ezra Kipchumba Kering has emerged winner of the 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, clinching the men’s elite title after a commanding performance over the 42-kilometre course.
Kering crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, 55 seconds, securing the top prize of $50,000 in the 11th edition of one of Africa’s biggest road races.
The race, which began at Ahmadu Bello Way in Eko Atlantic and ended at Victoria Island, attracted elite athletes from across the world, with thousands of spectators lining the route in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Kering executed a disciplined race strategy, maintaining a steady pace through the early stages before unleashing a decisive late surge that left rivals unable to respond.
Organisers described his performance as a masterclass in focus and endurance, highlighting the Kenyan’s control and stamina under Lagos’s demanding weather conditions.
The 40-year-old athlete arrived in Nigeria in strong form following a successful 2025 season, including victory at the Borobudur Marathon in Indonesia.
Despite the commanding win, his finishing time fell short of world-record pace, underscoring the challenging course and humid climate typical of the Lagos race.
In a notable shift from previous editions dominated by Kenya and Ethiopia, Ugandan runners claimed the remaining podium places in the men’s race.
Lomoi Samuel of Uganda finished second in 2:11:59, while Namutala Lumbasi, also from Uganda, placed third in 2:12:25.
Both athletes earned prize money of $40,000 and $30,000 respectively, marking a significant milestone for Uganda in the Lagos marathon and disrupting the long-standing East African hierarchy at the event.
Ethiopian runner Dinke Meleka claimed victory in the women’s category with a time of 2:37:36, while Kenya’s Cheyech Daniel finished second and Ethiopia’s Zewdalem Getaw took third place.
Nigeria also recorded a symbolic achievement as Deborah Badung emerged the first Nigerian woman to complete the race this year, drawing praise from organisers and spectators.
Kering’s triumph adds another chapter to Kenya’s long tradition of dominance in distance running while showcasing the intense competition among East African athletes on the world stage.
