In an impressive display of endurance and skill, Kenya’s Edwin Kibet Koech claimed victory in the 10th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, crossing the finish line with a time of 2:14:18 seconds.
The race, which attracted 50,000 runners from both local and international backgrounds, was fiercely contested as athletes from across the globe competed for the coveted $50,000 prize.
Koech’s victory marks his second win in three years at the prestigious event, having first triumphed in 2023. The 29-year-old Kenyan demonstrated exceptional pacing and stamina, pulling ahead in the final stages of the marathon to secure a dominant win.
His time of 2:14:18 seconds not only earned him the top spot but also reaffirmed his status as one of the most accomplished marathoners in the world.
The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, one of Africa’s largest and most competitive road races, has grown in prestige since its inception. This year’s event was no exception, attracting a record number of participants.
The marathon, which stretches over 42 kilometers, took runners through the vibrant streets of Lagos, offering a unique challenge with both the city’s bustling atmosphere and the intense heat. The weather conditions proved challenging, but the runners persevered, with Koech leading the charge.
As the defending champion, Koech was among the favorites to win, but the competition was fierce. His main rivals included a strong contingent from Ethiopia and other African nations, all vying for the prize money and international recognition.
Despite the high level of competition, Koech’s strategy to pace himself in the early stages and build momentum towards the final stretch proved to be a winning one.
After crossing the finish line, Koech was greeted with cheers from the crowd, who applauded his remarkable performance.
Speaking to reporters post-race, Koech expressed his gratitude and spoke of the challenge he faced during the race. “It was a tough race, especially with the heat and the competition,” he said.
“But I stayed focused and pushed myself in the last few kilometers to secure the win. I’m very happy to be back on top.”
Second place was claimed by Ethiopia’s Dawit Wolde, who finished just 37 seconds behind Koech, while Kenya’s Abel Kipchumba rounded out the top three, finishing in third place with a time of 2:15:23.
The podium finishers all received a portion of the $50,000 prize pool, which has become one of the highlights of the marathon each year.
This year’s race also witnessed a surge in participation from local Nigerian runners, showcasing the growing interest in long-distance running within the country.
The marathon has continued to build a strong following, with many runners from across Africa and beyond using the event as a stepping stone to gain recognition on the international marathon circuit.
The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon remains an essential event in the sporting calendar, and with Koech’s victory, the race continues to solidify its reputation as one of the premier marathon events in Africa.
