The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, a prominent fixture on the global athletic calendar, is poised to celebrate its 10th anniversary on February 15, 2025. Organized by Nilayo Sports Management, the marathon has evolved from its inception in 2016 into a World Athletics Gold Label event, reflecting its growing stature and international recognition. The upcoming edition promises to be a grand celebration of athleticism, unity, and global excellence, showcasing Lagos as a vibrant hub for sports and international camaraderie. With the potential for a Platinum Label upgrade from World Athletics pending review, the marathon continues to elevate its profile, attracting a diverse range of participants and solidifying its place among the world’s leading road races.
The 2025 Lagos City Marathon is anticipated to draw over 4,000 international runners and 100 elite athletes, highlighting the event’s expanding global appeal. This impressive turnout underscores the marathon’s success in fostering international participation and promoting Lagos as a premier destination for athletes worldwide. The race has become a catalyst for promoting healthy lifestyles and international cooperation, further enhancing its significance beyond the realm of sport. Furthermore, the event’s tenth anniversary holds special significance, marking a decade of growth and achievement for the Lagos City Marathon.
Yetunde Olopade, CEO of Nilayo Sports Management, emphasizes the transformative impact of the Lagos City Marathon, describing it as a movement that transcends sport. The marathon has become a symbol of inspiration, encouraging healthy living and fostering a spirit of global unity. Olopade highlights the event’s role in positioning Lagos as a prominent city on the international athletics scene, attracting global attention and showcasing the city’s dynamism. The 10th edition is expected to set a new benchmark for road racing events, demonstrating exceptional hospitality and further solidifying the marathon’s reputation for excellence.
The Lagos City Marathon has gained significant traction within the international running community, attracting elite athletes from long-distance running powerhouses like Kenya and Ethiopia. The race also draws participants from various other nations, including France, creating a diverse and competitive field. The participation of these international athletes adds to the prestige of the event, highlighting its global reach and appeal. The upcoming edition promises a thrilling competition as athletes from around the world converge on Lagos to compete for glory and showcase their athletic prowess.
Bernard Sang, the Kenyan runner who emerged victorious in the 2024 Lagos City Marathon, has expressed his determination to defend his title in the 2025 edition. Sang’s triumph in the previous year marked his first victory in the event, fueling his ambition to repeat the feat and solidify his standing as a prominent figure in the Lagos City Marathon. His participation, along with other elite athletes, promises a captivating race and adds to the anticipation surrounding the 10th-anniversary edition. The competition will be fierce as runners strive for personal bests and aim to etch their names in the annals of the Lagos City Marathon.
The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has firmly established its position as a major international sporting event, attracting a diverse range of participants and solidifying Lagos’s reputation as a global sports destination. As the marathon celebrates its 10th anniversary, it continues to inspire, unite, and promote healthy lifestyles, showcasing the power of sport to transcend borders and cultures. The upcoming edition promises to be a momentous occasion, celebrating a decade of growth, achievement, and the enduring spirit of the Lagos City Marathon. The event will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations of athletes and further cementing Lagos’s place on the global sporting map.
