The 2025 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon delivered yet another thrilling spectacle as Kenyan long-distance runner, Edwin Koech, emerged victorious in the men’s category. The prestigious marathon, held on Saturday, saw Koech cross the finish line in a remarkable time of 2 hours and 14 minutes, securing his second career victory in the annual race after his previous triumph in 2023. With this win, Koech claimed the coveted $50,000 first-place prize, reinforcing Kenya’s dominance in global marathon events.
In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Guta Hirpa continued her reign as she clinched her third Lagos City Marathon title. Hirpa recorded a time of 2 hours and 37.02 minutes, reaffirming Ethiopia’s stronghold in long-distance running. Her victory further solidifies her reputation as one of the most consistent female marathoners in the competition’s history.
A historic moment unfolded for Nigeria as Nyango Boyi became the first local athlete to secure a top-10 finish in the international marathon’s highly competitive field. Boyi finished in 8th place, clocking a time of 2:25:41.58. His remarkable performance earned him a $4,000 cash prize and an additional N2 million reward for being the fastest Nigerian in the race. His achievement marks a significant milestone for Nigerian long-distance running, inspiring a new generation of homegrown marathoners.
The marathon also saw participation from Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who joined thousands of runners in celebrating fitness, endurance, and sportsmanship. The 2025 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon attracted over 37,000 participants competing in both the 10km and 42km races. The General Manager of the race, Yusuf Ali, a retired Nigerian long jumper, confirmed that the number of active runners was based on the total running kits distributed, out of the over 60,000 registrants.
The marathon commenced at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, at 6:30 am for the 42km race, while the 10km race kicked off at 9:30 am from the Grace Garden Event Centre in Lekki. Both events concluded at the scenic Eko Atlantic City, a symbolic endpoint for one of Africa’s most prestigious long-distance races.
Since its inception in 2016, the Lagos City Marathon has steadily grown in stature, earning a World Athletics gold label. The organizers have now set their sights on attaining the coveted platinum label, a distinction that would make it Africa’s first marathon to achieve such elite recognition.
In preparation for the marathon, the Lagos State Government announced a strategic eight-hour road closure and traffic diversion on identified routes. The traffic management measures, enforced from 5 am to 1 pm, aimed to ensure a smooth and safe race for participants and spectators alike.
The 2025 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon once again underscored the endurance, resilience, and unifying spirit of long-distance running. With record-breaking performances, historic milestones, and an ever-expanding global reputation, the marathon continues to cement its place as one of Africa’s premier sporting events. As Nigeria looks to nurture local talent like Nyango Boyi, the future of distance running in the country appears more promising than ever.
