Kenyan athlete, Edwin Kibet Koech, and Ethiopian runner, Guta Meseret Hirpa, have emerged as the men’s and women’s champions, respectively, in the 2025 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, securing top honours in the prestigious event.
Koech clinched the men’s title for the second time, having previously won in 2023, completing the 42km course in a record time of 2 hours and 14 minutes.
His victory earned him the $50,000 first-place prize.
In the women’s category, Hirpa secured her first-ever Lagos City Marathon title, crossing the finish line with an unofficial time of 2 hours, 37 minutes, and 4.08 seconds.
Her triumph led to an Ethiopian 1-2 finish, while a Kenyan athlete settled for third place.
The 2025 edition of the marathon attracted approximately 37,000 runners across both the 10km and 42km races.
According to Race General Manager and retired Nigerian long jumper, Yusuf Ali, participation figures were based on the number of running kits distributed, despite over 60,000 athletes registering for the event.
The 42km race commenced at 6:30 am from the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, while the 10km race started at 9:30 am from the Grace Garden Event Centre, Lekki. Both events concluded at Eko Atlantic City.
Now in its 10th year, the Lagos City Marathon holds a World Athletics gold label, with organisers striving to achieve a platinum label, a milestone that would make it the first marathon in Africa to attain the prestigious status.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commended the winners and participants of the 2025 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, describing the event as a testament to Lagos’ status as a global hub for sports and excellence.
Sanwo-Olu, who participated in the race, took to his X handle to celebrate the competition’s success, highlighting its role in promoting endurance, determination, and Lagos’ vibrant sporting culture.
“The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is more than a race—it’s a celebration of endurance, determination, and the vibrant spirit of Lagos. Thousands of athletes from across the world took to our streets, proving once again that Lagos is the home of excellence in sports and global events,” he said.
The governor praised the organisers, athletes, and supporters for their roles in making the event a success and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to hosting world-class sporting competitions.
“Lagos continues to set the pace in hosting world-class sporting events. We are building a city where sports, tourism, and opportunity thrive,” he added.
The first Nigerian to finish the race, Nyango Gyang Boyi, made history by finishing in the top 10 positions.
He finished the race in 8th place, clocking a time of 2:25:41.58 which will earn him a prize award of $4,000.
As the first Nigerian to finish the race, Boyi also won the N2 million top prize in the Nigerian category.
