East Africans Shine at Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

The 11th edition of the Access Bank (NGX: ACCESSCORP) Lagos City Marathon took place recently, with Kenyan runner Ezra Kere emerging as the fastest competitor, finishing the race in 2:11:55 and winning a top prize of $50,000. Kere, a 40-year-old gold medalist from the 2025 Borobudur Marathon in Indonesia, improved his previous time by six seconds.

He was followed closely by Ugandan runner Lomoi Samuel, who finished second in 2:11:59, and Kenyan Namutala Kephar Lumbasi, who placed third in 2:12:25. In the women's category, Ethiopian Dink Meleka won with a time of 2:37:36, marking her second career victory after previously winning the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2022.

Kenyan Cheyech Daniel finished second in the women's race at 2:37:43, while Ethiopian Zewdalem Getaw came in third at 2:38:59. The prize presentation was attended by Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commending the organization and support for the marathon, which is recognized as one of Africa's largest road races.