East African runners once again asserted their supremacy at the 10th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, held on Saturday in Lagos, Nigeria. Kenya and Ethiopia claimed the top spots in both the men’s and women’s elite 42km races, continuing a long streak of dominance in Africa’s premier city marathon.
The event, which attracted over 30,000 participants, featured strong international fields and saw Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes sweep the podium in the elite categories. Organizers are hopeful that the performances will help secure World Athletics Platinum Label status for the race, potentially making it the first in Africa to achieve this prestigious designation.
Men’s Elite Race Highlights
Kenya’s Edwin Kibet powered to victory in 2:14:19, improving on the previous year’s winning time and claiming the $50,000 top prize. Despite arriving late in Nigeria with limited rest, Kibet dominated the race.
- 2nd: Kipygon Hehemiah (KEN) – 2:16:37
- 3rd: Sang Benard Cheruiyot (KEN) – 2:17:17
Kibet expressed his satisfaction and intent to return:
“I would be available in Lagos next year to defend my title.”
Among Nigerian runners, Nyango Gyang Boyi topped the local category in 2:25:41, earning N2 million as the first Nigerian finisher and an additional $4,000 for 8th overall.
Ethiopians shine at 2022 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon
Women’s Elite Race Highlights
Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa secured her first Lagos title in 2:37:04, leading an Ethiopian 1-2 finish.
- 2nd: Aleminesh Herpha (ETH) – 2:38:01
- 3rd: Jerono Peris (KEN) – 2:38:01
Blessing Shambor Solomon won the Nigerian women’s category, taking home N2 million.
Ethiopians shine at 2022 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon
Event Notes & Future Outlook
No new course records were set, but the race met several criteria for Platinum Label upgrade (including elite athlete performances). Race General Manager and Olympian Yusuf Ali said:
“Our target was for any of the elite athletes to finish in 2:10, which is one of the major criteria to get the Platinum Label… We are hoping to be the first in Africa to achieve the Platinum.”
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised the event’s organization and pledged continued support to make future editions “bigger and better.”
The 10th edition underscored the marathon’s growing global reputation and East Africa’s continued stronghold in distance running.
