Kenyan athlete Edwin Kibet Koech secured a decisive victory at the 2025 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon today, claiming his second title after a previous win in 2023. Koech blazed through the 42-kilometer course, crossing the finish line in a swift 2 hours, 14 minutes, and 6 seconds.
The win not only earned Koech bragging rights but also the substantial $50,000 top prize. His repeat performance at the Lagos City Marathon solidifies his dominance in the event.
This year’s tenth annual Lagos City Marathon, a major event on the African running calendar, drew an estimated 37,000 runners across both the full marathon and the 10km race. Event General Manager Yusuf Ali explained that while over 60,000 individuals registered, the participation figure was based on the number of running kits actually distributed.
“The passion for this race grows every year,” Ali stated. “We had over 60,000 registrations, and a strong showing of around 37,000 active participants.”
The main event, the 42km marathon, kicked off at 6:30 AM sharp from the National Stadium in Surulere. A few hours later, at 9:30 AM, the 10km race began from Grace Garden Event Centre in Lekki. Both races culminated at the vibrant Eko Atlantic City.
Among the runners were Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu and a number of well-known celebrities, adding to the event’s excitement. To ensure a smooth race, the Lagos State Government implemented an eight-hour road closure and traffic diversions across key routes, a testament to the scale of the Lagos City Marathon.