Kenya’s Edwin Kibet Koech won the 10th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, securing his second title in three years with a 2:14:18 finish. Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa claimed the women’s race. The event, now a gold-label marathon, aims for platinum status as Africa’s premier long-distance race.
Kenya’s Edwin Kibet Koech has once again stamped his dominance at the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, clinching victory in the 10th edition of the prestigious race. The 41-year-old long-distance runner finished the 42km course in an impressive 2 hours, 14 minutes, and 18 seconds, securing his second win in three years.
Held on Saturday morning, the marathon saw hundreds of elite athletes compete, with Kibet outpacing his rivals to claim the $50,000 grand prize. Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa emerged as the top female runner, completing the race in 2 hours, 14 minutes, and 4 seconds to win her first Lagos title.
The marathon, which kicked off at the National Stadium in Surulere and concluded at Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island, has continued to grow in prestige. Recognized by World Athletics as a gold-label event in 2023, organizers have ambitious plans to attain platinum certification, making it the first African marathon to reach such a status.
Over the years, the Lagos City Marathon has witnessed various champions, with Ethiopia’s Geleta Ulfata and Kenya’s Bernard Sang among past winners. The 2025 edition reaffirmed Kenya’s dominance in distance running, as Kibet reclaimed his crown in a thrilling race.
