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This year’s event, themed, “Miles to Memories,” was particularly significant as it honoured the legacy of the late Herbert Wigwe, former Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings PLC. Wigwe's visionary leadership was instrumental in establishing the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon and ultimately transforming it from a local initiative into a globally recognised event.
The race commenced at the National Stadium in
Surulere, Lagos, with participants traversing iconic landmarks of the city,
including the Third Mainland Bridge, before culminating at Eko Atlantic City.
The event not only showcased the athletic prowess of its participants but also
highlighted Lagos's vibrant culture and scenic beauty.
Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director of Access
Bank, reflected on the marathon's journey, saying, “Ten
years ago, we embarked on this journey with a simple goal: to create a marathon
that would unite people from all walks of life, celebrate the energy of Lagos,
and highlight the incredible potential of our continent. Today, as we look back
on a decade of memories, we see nearly a million runners who have pounded the
Lagos asphalt, millions of spectators who have cheered them on, and countless
stories of resilience, triumph, and connection.”
“This
race is a perfect metaphor for the vision we hold at Access Bank – to become
the world’s most respected African bank. Just as this marathon has grown from a
humble beginning to become Africa’s most prestigious road race, our commitment
at Access Bank is to build a platform that empowers dreams, connects
communities, and showcases Africa’s excellence on the global stage,” she added
In the men's category, the Kenyans dominated the podium places, with Edwin Kibet emerging victorious, after completing the 42km race with an impressive time of 2 hours, 14 minutes, and 19 seconds. Kipygon Nehemiah (2:16:37), placed second while winner of last year’s race, Bernard Sang Cheruiyot, crossed the line in 2:16:49 to take home the bronze medal.
The dominance of the Kenyans was, however, halted
in the women’s category of the marathon as Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa
emerged the winner. Hirpa got to the finish line in a time of 2:37:04 while her
compatriot, Aleminesh Herpha was second in 2:38:01, while Kenya’s Jerono Peris
was third also in 2:38:01.
Nigeria also had some bragging rights as for the
first time in the Marathon’s history, an indigenous participant finished in the
top 10. Nyango Gyang Boyi, finished eighth, with a time of 2:25:41.
The success of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon
is a testament to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including
the Lagos State Government, Nilayo Sports Management, and the enthusiastic
support of Lagos residents.
As the bank reflects on this milestone, it remains
committed to empowering communities and promoting sustainability through
initiatives like the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon. The bank looks forward to
many more years of inspiring stories, athletic excellence, and shared memories.
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| L-R: Lekan Fatodu, Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission; Shehu Dikko, Chairman, National Sports Commission; Jerono Peris (Kenya), 3rd position, 42KM female category; Guta Meseret Hirpa (Ethiopia), winner; Alemnesh Herpha Guta (Ethiopia), 2nd position; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor, Lagos State, and Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, at the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon’s 10th edition, in Lagos, recently. |
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| L-R: Shehu Dikko, Chairman, National Sports Commission; Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Plc; Sang Benard Cheruiyot, 3rd position, 42KM male category; Koech Edwin Kibet, winner; Kipygon Hehemiah, 2nd position, all from Kenya; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor, Lagos State, and his Deputy Obafemi Hamzat, at the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon’s 10th edition, in Lagos, recently. |
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L-R: Lekan Fatodu, Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission; Bukola Olopade, Director General, National Sports Commission, and Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, during the tribute to the late Herbert Wigwe, at the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon’s 10th edition, in Lagos, recently. |
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Cross section of athletes at the starting point of Access Bank Lagos City Marathon’s 10th edition at the National Stadium, Surulere, in Lagos, recently. |
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Cross section of athletes at the starting point of Access Bank Lagos City Marathon’s 10th edition at the National Stadium, Surulere, in Lagos, recently. |
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