Kenyan athlete Ezra Kipchumba Kering has won the 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, finishing the grueling 42-kilometre race in a time of 02:11:55 and taking the men’s title in this year’s highly competitive event. While official race results have not yet been published on major international athletics sites, Access Bank Lagos City Marathon organisers announced elite results and prize details ahead of the event, and Kenyan dominance has been a hallmark of the race for years. 

The Lagos City Marathon, now in its 11th year, continues to attract world-class runners from across East Africa and beyond. Runners from Kenya and Ethiopia have frequently taken top honours in both the men’s and women’s categories in previous editions of the race, which holds a World Athletics Gold Label and draws large crowds of professional and amateur athletes alike. 

Kering’s victory in the 2026 marathon comes after organised excitement across Nigeria’s sporting community as the event lived up to its reputation for high-level competition and elite performance. With a time of 02:11:55, the Kenyan runner managed to finish ahead of other elite marathoners — clocking a performance that underscored his endurance and training. Even though Kering’s result is currently highlighted via race coverage and press releases rather than detailed official timing sheets, the win aligns with the tradition of Kenyan excellence in long-distance running. 

The marathon, held in the heart of Lagos, serves not only as a race but also as a celebration of athletic achievement and community integration. Runners navigated the city’s course, which weaves through landmarks, busy streets and cheering crowds eager to see top performances. With a significant prize purse announced ahead of time — including $50,000 for the first place in the elite category — the event continues to boost Nigeria’s standing on the global athletics stage. 

Kenyan runners have historically dominated this event, winning multiple editions of the marathon. In the 2025 race, for example, Kenyan athlete Edwin Kibet claimed the men’s title with a time of 2 hours, 14 minutes and 18 seconds. His win marked yet another strong performance by Kenyan athletes in Lagos. 

The continued success of Kenyan marathoners in Lagos reflects the country’s broader strength in long-distance running. Kenyan athletes have consistently excelled in marathons around the world, often posting competitive times that land them on podiums at major races on multiple continents.

Kering’s win adds another chapter to the story of international athletes using the Lagos City Marathon as a platform for excellence. His victory has been congratulated online by fans of athletics and running enthusiasts alike, celebrating both the determination required to complete a full marathon and the joy of seeing elite long-distance runners push their limits.

For many Nigerians and marathon followers, the event represents not just a race, but a symbol of human endurance, discipline and international collaboration through sport.