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BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
LAGOS, NIGERIA – Edwin Koech, a Kenyan athlete, has clinched the victory in the men’s category of the 2025 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon competition.
Koech completed the 42km race in a record 2 hours and 14 minutes, securing the $50,000 prize – marking his second consecutive win after his triumph in the 2023 edition.
Approximately 37,000 runners participated in the 2025 race, including both the 10km and 42km categories. According to the General Manager of the race, Yusuf Ali, the final count of participants came from a pool of over 60,000 registered runners, based on distributed running kits.
The 42km race started at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, at 6:30am, while the 10km race commenced at the Grace Garden Event Centre in Lekki at 9:30am. Both races concluded at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.
This year’s edition went beyond a race, serving as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Herbert Wigwe. With the theme “Miles to Memories,” the marathon symbolized the connection between athletic achievement and the remembrance of a visionary leader.
The 2025 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon carried special emotional significance as it marked the first anniversary of the passing of Herbert Wigwe, the late Group CEO of Access Holdings Plc. Wigwe, a key driver of the marathon’s establishment, tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash on February 10, 2024.
His death, along with his family and Nigerian business leader Abimbola Ogunbanjo, left an unfillable void in the hearts of many.
Despite this profound loss, Access Bank and the Lagos State Government reaffirmed their commitment to the marathon, honoring Wigwe’s vision and continuing his legacy.
The marathon, under the theme “Miles to Memories,” represents not just the pursuit of athletic excellence but also a tribute to Wigwe’s dedication to community development and resilience.
The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has evolved since its inception in 2016 from a local event to a globally recognized sporting spectacle.
Initially designed to promote healthy lifestyles, the marathon has since become a symbol of unity, progress, and economic vitality, placing Lagos on the global sporting map.
Its Gold Label status, certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), showcases its international acclaim.
The marathon significantly contributes to the local economy, benefiting various sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and retail. As local businesses see increased patronage during the marathon weekend, the event demonstrates how major sporting initiatives can generate economic growth while fostering community spirit.
Herbert Wigwe’s influence on the marathon is palpable. Under his visionary leadership, the race expanded, attracting over 600,000 registered athletes from 14 countries and becoming one of Africa’s most prestigious road races.
His commitment to community development and sport continues to inspire, as his words about supporting local economies and creating jobs resonate in the marathon’s ongoing success.
The event’s continued growth and relevance highlight the transformative power of visionary leadership. Wigwe’s legacy is a living testament to his ability to create lasting impact through initiatives that uplift communities, support local businesses, and promote a healthier, more prosperous society.
The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is more than just a race. It symbolizes the unity, resilience, and determination of Lagosians. The marathon brings together people from all walks of life, each participant embodying the spirit of hope and overcoming adversity.
This year’s event was not only a celebration of athleticism but also a movement that transformed loss into triumph, turning physical distance into lasting memories.
With each mile covered, the marathon serves as a reminder of the strength of community, the power of collective ambition, and the shared dreams of a brighter future.
As runners crossed the finish line, they carried with them the legacy of Herbert Wigwe and the enduring commitment to progress, unity, and excellence that he championed.
The marathon’s success is largely due to the unwavering support of sponsors like Access Bank. Together with the Lagos State Government, these organizations have maintained high standards, including the event’s prestigious Gold Label status.
Their commitment ensures that the marathon continues to serve as a platform for positive change, inspiring future generations to live healthier and more active lives while honoring the memories of those who shaped the event’s legacy.
The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is a driving force in the local economy, significantly boosting tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors. During the marathon weekend, Lagos witnesses a surge in activity as visitors from around the world flock to the city.
The event also highlights the vibrant culture of Lagos, reinforcing the idea that sports and commerce can go hand in hand to drive progress and growth.
On February 15, 2025, as runners took to the streets of Lagos, the atmosphere was charged with unity and purpose. The marathon was more than just a race; it was a day to celebrate life, remember a visionary leader, and honor the resilience of a community united by the spirit of progress.
The theme, “Miles to Memories” encapsulated the journey from grief to hope, from loss to legacy. Each step taken by the runners was a testament to the human spirit’s ability to rise above adversity, transforming challenges into milestones of achievement.
The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is set to continue its upward trajectory, with organizers aiming for the prestigious Platinum Label status.
This goal underscores the marathon’s importance not only as a premier athletic event but also as a symbol of progress for Lagos and Nigeria.
As the marathon enters its 10th year, the partnership between Access Bank and the Lagos State Government remains strong. Their combined efforts will ensure that the event continues to inspire future generations, honour Herbert Wigwe’s vision, and serve as a reminder that every mile run is a step toward a brighter, more united future.
The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon 2025 was more than a race – it was a movement, a celebration of unity, resilience, and the unyielding human spirit.
It has become a cornerstone of Lagos’ sporting landscape, leaving a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations to continue the race for progress, together.
