Kenyan athlete Koech wins Lagos City Marathon 2025 as thousands race through city
Edwin Kibet Koech of Kenya has once again stamped his authority on the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, winning the 2025 edition just two years after his 2023 victory.
Koech finished the grueling 42km race in 2 hours and 14 minutes, securing the $50,000 first-place prize in the men’s category. His latest triumph further solidifies Kenya’s dominance in marathon events, particularly in Africa.
The 10th edition of the marathon attracted over 60,000 registered runners, with 37,000 participants receiving running kits for the 10km and 42km races. The marathon’s General Manager, Yusuf Ali, emphasized the increasing popularity of the event, which continues to attract both elite and amateur runners globally.
The race, which started at 6:30 am from the National Stadium in Surulere, saw thousands of athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and even celebrities weaving through the streets of Lagos before finishing at Eko Atlantic City. The 10km race, which began later at 9:30 am in Lekki, added to the carnival-like atmosphere as residents lined up to cheer the runners.
With its World Athletics gold label, the Lagos City Marathon is edging closer to platinum status, an achievement that would make it the first in Africa to reach that level. Organizers remain optimistic about its growth, stating that the event is fast becoming a top-tier marathon on the global stage.
To ensure a smooth event, the Lagos State Government enforced an eight-hour road closure from 5 am to 1 pm, implementing traffic diversions along major routes.
As the marathon marks a decade of existence, it has not only become a major sporting event but also a key driver for tourism and fitness culture in Nigeria, drawing participants from across the world.
About The Author
