Access Bank Lagos City Marathon
An annual World Athletics-labeled international marathon bringing together thousands of athletes, from National Stadium Surulere to Eko Atlantic.
A major athletics event linking Surulere, the Third Mainland Bridge, and Eko Atlantic City.
- Event Date: Annually, in February
- Venue Location: National Stadium, Surulere, to Eko Atlantic City
- Ticket Information: Free entry for the marathon and shorter races via official registration
From a Historic Marathon to a World Athletics Label
The race's origins trace back to 1983, but it was the partnership formed with Access Bank starting in 2016 that transformed the event into a structured international sporting fixture. As of 2018, the marathon achieved World Athletics Bronze Label certification, guaranteeing an officially measured course and an organizational standard in line with international benchmarks, a recognition that has helped attract African and international elite runners. Since then, the event has aimed to move up to a higher label, following the model of major world marathons, while retaining its popular appeal with shorter races (10 km, a charity walk) open to amateur participants.
An Iconic Route Across Lagos's Geography
The 42.195 km course links the National Stadium in Surulere, on the mainland, to Eko Atlantic City, the new city reclaimed from the ocean off Victoria Island, crossing some of Lagos's most iconic roads, including the Third Mainland Bridge. This route offers runners a unique crossing between the metropolis's two faces, from the dense urban fabric of the mainland to the modern towers of the new coastal city. The race is generally held in February, a cooler time of year that limits risks linked to Lagos's characteristic humid heat, and requires major security arrangements and road closures to accommodate several thousand participants along a route usually heavily used by car traffic.
A Record 2026 Edition Eyeing Platinum Label Status
The 2026 edition, run on Saturday, February 14, drew around 42,000 runners across the marathon and 10K races, a record turnout for an event now aiming for World Athletics Platinum Label status, the highest distinction awarded by the sport's global governing body. Kenya's Ezra Kering won the race in 2:11:55, taking home the $50,000 top prize, while Ethiopia's Meseret Dinke claimed the women's title in 2:37:36. Deborah Badung also made history as the first Nigerian woman to finish the race that year, crossing the line in 2:55:46, a notable milestone for local women's athletics.
A Structured Prize System by Category
The Lagos City Marathon's prize structure distinguishes between several tiers: international elite athletes compete for up to $50,000 for first place, with a descending scale down to eighth position, while a separate purse rewards the top Nigerian finishers, with N2,000,000 for the leading Nigerian runner and decreasing amounts down to tenth place. This two-tier system allows the race to attract a competitive African and international elite field while also financially supporting the emergence of Nigerian talent over the marathon distance.