Sports
Lagos To Welcome International Athletes For Lagos City Marathon
The first wave of international athletes participating in the 10th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is set to arrive in Nigeria on February 13, as confirmed by race organizers.
This year’s edition, which marks a decade of the prestigious marathon, will feature an estimated 4,000 international runners, alongside 100 elite athletes from across the globe. Scheduled for February 15, the event has been aptly themed “Love in the Air”, aligning with the Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Speaking on the upcoming marathon, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management, emphasized that meticulous planning has gone into making this edition memorable. “We are thrilled to welcome athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, Morocco, Eritrea, France, Uganda, Italy, and Ghana,” she said. “Lagos will be buzzing with energy, unity, and the spirit of competition on race day.”
She also highlighted Lagos as a prime destination for sporting events, noting that while many parts of the world experience winter in February, Lagos remains a hub of warmth, vibrancy, and top-tier hospitality.
The build-up to the main race has already commenced, with the first marathon expo kicking off at Teslim Balogun Stadium earlier this week.
Reflecting on the 2024 edition, Kenyan runner Bernard Sang emerged victorious, completing the 42km marathon in 02:16:49. In the women’s category, Ethiopian athlete Kebene Chala secured the top spot, while Shehu Muazu, the fastest Nigerian finisher, took home a ?1 million cash prize.
Kenyan dominance in the marathon has been evident over the years, with athletes from the country winning in 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2021. In last year’s edition, Kenyan runners Simon Cheprot and Edwin Kiptoo finished in second and third place, earning $40,000 and $30,000, respectively.
With the 10th edition of the Lagos City Marathon promising an unforgettable experience, all eyes are on the city as it gears up to host some of the world’s finest long-distance runners.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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