Ezra Kering Wins 2026 Lagos City Marathon, Ugandan Runners Break Kenyan-Ethiopian Dominance

Kenyan veteran Ezra Kering stormed to victory at the 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, clocking 2:11:55 to claim the $50,000 top prize. The 40-year-old delivered a powerful late surge, shaving six seconds off his personal best and adding another major win to his career after triumphing at the Borobudur Marathon in Indonesia (2025).

The men’s race saw a historic shift as Ugandan athletes disrupted the traditional Kenyan-Ethiopian dominance. Lomoi Samuel finished second in 2:11:59, while Namutala Lumbasi secured third in 2:12:25, earning $40,000 and $30,000 respectively.

Ezra Kering Wins 2026 Lagos City Marathon
photo credit: LSSC

In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Dinke Meleka reclaimed the Lagos crown with a time of 2:37:36, marking her second victory in the city. Kenya’s Cheyech Daniel placed second, while Ethiopia’s Zewdalem Getaw finished third.

Nigeria also celebrated strong performances: Boyi Nyango emerged as the fastest Nigerian man with 2:25:32, while Deborah Badung became the first Nigerian woman to cross the line in 2:55:46.

Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, praised the organisers and reaffirmed Lagos’ ambition to elevate the marathon from its current Gold Label status to Platinum Label, making it one of the world’s elite races.

Written by Boom RadioNG