East Africans Shine at Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

The 11th edition of the Access Bank 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.