With just 15 days to go until the 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, the atmosphere in Lagos is electric. Social media posts, training updates, and race-day logistics are already trending, signalling that athletes, spectators, and the city itself are gearing up for one of Africa’s most prestigious road-running events. The marathon is set for February 14, 2026, and organisers say this year’s edition could be especially memorable for elite competitors and recreational runners alike. 

The announcement of the marathon’s new flat coastal course has been a major talking point as the countdown ticks down. General Manager Yusuf Alli explained that moving the race to a coastal route is part of a strategic shift aimed at creating conditions conducive to fast finishing times. With stretches of the route running below sea level, organisers and athletes alike believe record-breaking performances may be possible on race day. 

For the first time in the marathon’s history, the 42-kilometre route will begin at ORCA Mall on Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island and extend along the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road, ending at the rising urban landmark Eko Atlantic City. This shift abandons the more traditional city centre loop in favour of a smoother, straighter run that showcases Lagos’s new infrastructure while offering runners a less undulating challenge. 

Organisers believe the coastal stretch will create one of the fastest marathon courses in Africa, and athletes are already adjusting their training plans accordingly. Ongoing conversations among registered runners reflect excitement about the potential for personal bests and even continental or world-leading times. The new route also highlights Lagos’s ambition to position the marathon on the global road-racing map, elevating its profile beyond Africa. 

As part of the final preparations, the official Marathon Expo will run from February 9 to February 13 at the Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere. The expo is more than a simple check-in point for runners. It includes entertainment, vendor showcases, and activities designed to get both participants and fans energised in the lead-up to race day. Runners will also collect their official kits there, ensuring they are fully prepared before the main event. 

Organisers say more than 40 elite runners are expected to compete in the 2026 race, drawing from a strong international and local field that has become typical for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon. With World Athletics Gold Label status, the race continues to attract top-level competitors and serious contenders who are testing their limits on Africa’s fastest courses. 

The marathon has grown since its first modern era editions, becoming a cornerstone of Nigeria’s sporting calendar. Thousands of amateur runners join the elite field each year, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that spills out into the city’s streets. As race day approaches, training groups and running clubs across Lagos are pacing their final long runs, tapering their routines, and preparing mentally for the challenge ahead. 

Race organisers have also outlined key details intended to ensure a smooth and fair competition experience. The full marathon will start at 6:30 a.m. and runners will have a six-hour window to complete the course and still qualify for an official finisher’s medal. Hydration points, medical stations, and support crews are positioned along the route to assist runners throughout the race. 

For many participants, the medal is more than a keepsake. It represents months of training, discipline, and personal achievement. The cut-off rules mean that runners must complete the course within the medal window to earn their official finishers’ recognition, although participants can still enjoy the race experience at their own pace outside the medal criteria. 

As the marathon date draws nearer, excitement has spread beyond the running community. Local businesses, volunteers, and city residents are preparing to support the event, with traffic advisories and public information campaigns already underway to help manage race-day logistics and ensure safety for runners and spectators alike.

Beyond competition, the marathon serves as a platform for promoting healthy lifestyles, local tourism, and civic pride. From veteran marathoners to first-time participants taking on the 10km or full 42km challenge, the event brings people together around a shared celebration of sport, endurance, and city spirit. 

With just 15 days left, excitement and preparation are building rapidly. Whether you are registered and ready or still considering joining the race, race day is now closer than it feels, and Lagos is more prepared than ever to host one of Africa’s most exciting running events.