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

KENYA’s Ezra Kipchumba Kering emerged victorious at the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday, taking home the $50,000 top prize for his win.

The men’s race saw a fierce battle for the podium. Uganda’s Lomoi Samuel gave Kering a strong challenge, finishing just four seconds behind in 2:11:59 to claim the $20,000 runner-up prize. Samuel’s compatriot, Namutala Lumbasi, secured third place with a time of 2:12:25, earning $15,000.

Among local participants, Nigeria’s Boyi Nyango was the fastest homegrown finisher in the men’s category, completing the race in 2:25:32.

In the women’s division, Ethiopia’s Dinke Meleka crossed the line first in 2:37:36, narrowly edging out Kenya’s Cheyech Daniel, who finished in 2:37:43. Another Ethiopian, Zewdalem Getaw, completed the podium in 2:38:59.

Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat praised the marathon organisers for maintaining its international profile. He reiterated the state government’s support, noting the event’s current World Athletics Gold Label status and its goal of attaining the prestigious Platinum Label.

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“We are proud to host one of the world’s major marathons. The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has achieved Gold Label recognition, and we are committed to elevating it to Platinum status,” Hamzat said.

Meanwhile, Deborah Badung made history as the first Nigerian woman to complete this year’s marathon, finishing in 2:55:46. Her performance highlights the event’s commitment to combining elite competition with grassroots development and corporate support for sports.

Access Bank had earlier disclosed the prize allocations for elite competitors, offering $50,000 for first-place finishes in both the men’s and women’s races. Nigerian elite athletes contended for prizes ranging from N2 million for the winner to N50,000 for tenth place.