The Digest:
Kenyan athlete Ezra Kipchumba Kering emerged victorious at the 11th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday, completing the 42km race in 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 55 seconds. The race, flagged off at 6:30 a.m. from Orca Shopping Mall at Eko Atlantic City, saw Nigerian athlete Boyi Nyango finish first in the men's local category with 2:25:32. In the women's category, Ethiopia's Meseret Dinke secured first place with 2:37:36, marking her third victory in the Lagos marathon after previous wins in 2019 and 2021. Deborah Badung made history as the first Nigerian woman to finish, clocking 2:55:46. Elite winners received $50,000, while top Nigerian athletes earned N2 million.
Key Points:
- The marathon boosts Lagos' profile as a destination for international athletics and tourism.
- It provides prize money and exposure for both international and local athletes.
- Kenyan and Ethiopian dominance continues, while Nigerian athletes gain competitive experience.
- This signals the growing prestige of the Lagos marathon as a fixture on the global road racing calendar.
- The timing, in February, offers ideal running conditions and attracts top international competitors.
The 11th edition reinforced East African dominance while showcasing Nigerian talent, with prize money distributed across international and local categories.
Sources: The Punch, Access Bank Lagos City Marathon
