By Phemmy Adetula
Lagos witnessed yet another inspiring display of endurance, unity, and civic spirit as runners gathered for the “Season of Love Race” staged along the APC Coastal Road, an extension of activities surrounding the prestigious Access Bank Lagos City Marathon at the weekend.
Remarkably, eleven years ago, I stood at the very foundation of this historic event as the pioneer content producer for SuperSport Nigeria. Today, it has evolved into a global sporting spectacle with a Gold Label. I remain deeply grateful for the visionary leadership of the late Deji Tinubu, then Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, who entrusted myself and Emeka Nwani with driving its social media engagement, an effort that birthed the enduring rallying cry, “Run Lagos.”
The 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, held on Saturday, 14 February 2026, delivered a commanding spectacle as elite international and local athletes, fitness enthusiasts, youth groups, and community participants turned out in massive numbers to celebrate sport, wellness, and collective pride. Beyond fierce competition, the marathon projected a powerful message of unity and resilience, further cementing Lagos’ standing as a premier destination for globally recognized sporting events.
In a thrilling showcase of elite runners, Ezra Kipchumba of Kenya stormed to victory in the men’s race, clocking an outstanding 2:11:55 to claim the $50,000 grand prize. Uganda’s Lomoi Samuel pushed fiercely to finish second in 2:11:59, while Namutala Kephar Lumbasi secured third place in 2:12:25.
In the women’s contest, Ethiopia’s Dinke Meseret Meleka delivered a commanding performance, crossing the line in 2:37:36 to take top honours. Kenya’s Daniel Flomena Cheyech finished a close second in 2:37:43, while Ethiopia’s Getaw Wgagen Zewdalem claimed third in 2:38:59, bringing a fittingly competitive and memorable close to the Season of Love Race in Lagos.
I wish to sincerely commend the Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, for the visionary staging of the Season of Love Race along the coastal road an initiative that not only delivered a refreshing and unforgettable racing experience but also projected the scenic beauty and transformative potential of the shoreline to the global community. The event served as a powerful preview of the far-reaching infrastructural strides of this administration, demonstrating how strategic projects can stimulate economic vitality and improve public life. Mrs. Olopade has effectively given the world a glimpse of what lies ahead when the coastal project is fully realized. I therefore challenge her to extend this momentum by spotlighting the Calabar axis of the Coastal Road with another landmark road race before the end of the year.
Special appreciation is extended to the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Hamzat; the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko; the Director-General, Bukola Olopade, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeboye Adeyinka Anthony; the Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, and the many distinguished dignitaries who honoured the event with their presence. It is my sincere hope that the remarkable standard of excellence demonstrated by the Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, has inspired renewed commitment to delivering world-class sporting experiences in Nigeria.
With another remarkable chapter etched into the legacy of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, the event has once again affirmed Lagos as a prime destination for elite runners from across Africa and beyond. Backed by an impressive turnout, flawless organization, vibrant public enthusiasm, and the elegant unveiling of the Coastal Road project, the Season of Love Race 2026 has further deepened the city’s marathon heritage while reinforcing its commitment to sport, public health, and inclusive urban development.
We look forward to an even bigger and more spectacular outing in 2027 at the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.
Until then……”Run Lagos”.
