Kenyan athlete Edwin Koech has emerged as the champion of the men’s category in the 2025 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, held today.
Koech clinched victory with a record time of 2 hours and 14 minutes, securing the $50,000 first-place prize.
This marks his second triumph in the competition, following his win in the 2023 edition.
In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Guta Hirpa took the top spot, finishing the race in 2 hours and 37.02 minutes.
The 2025 win marks her third consecutive victory in the marathon, solidifying her dominance in the event.Nigerian athlete Nyango Boyi made history by becoming the first Nigerian to finish in the top 10.
He secured the 8th position with a time of 2:25:41.58, earning a prize of $4,000.
Additionally, Boyi won the N2 million top prize awarded to the first Nigerian finisher.
The marathon witnessed participation from over 37,000 runners in both the 10km and 42km races. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was also among the participants, further highlighting the significance of the event.
Speaking at the event, the General Manager of the race and retired Nigerian long jumper, Yusuf Ali, stated, “The figure was derived from the number of running kits distributed out of the over 60,000 runners who registered to take part.”
The 42km race commenced at the National Stadium in Surulere at 6:30 am, while the 10km marathon started at the Grace Garden Event Centre in Lekki at 9:30 am, with both races concluding at Eko Atlantic City.
Since its inception in 2016, the Lagos City Marathon has grown significantly, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
It currently holds a World Athletics gold label, and organizers have set their sights on achieving the prestigious platinum label, which would make it the first marathon in Africa to reach this status.
To accommodate the event, the Lagos State Government announced an eight-hour road closure and traffic diversion on Friday, ensuring smooth operations and a seamless marathon experience for participants and spectators alike.
