The 2025 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has once again reinforced East Africa’s dominance in long-distance racing, with Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes securing top positions. In a highly competitive race that saw thousands of runners from across the world compete for prestige and prize money, Kenya’s Edwin Kibet emerged as the overall winner in the men’s category, while Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa claimed victory in the women’s division. However, the event also witnessed a groundbreaking achievement for Nigeria, as Nyango Gyang Boyi became the first Nigerian to break into the top 10, setting a new record in the nation’s marathon history.
On Saturday, the highly anticipated 42km race commenced at Western Avenue in front of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, and concluded at Eko Atlantic City on Victoria Island, attracting elite marathoners, amateur runners, and fitness enthusiasts from different parts of the world. It was a display of endurance, strategy, and determination, with Kibet clocking an impressive time of 2:14:06 to secure his second career victory in the competition. His triumph earned him the grand prize of $50,000, reaffirming Kenya’s continued dominance in the annual event.
Kibet’s victory comes as no surprise, as he has consistently proven his strength in marathon races. In the previous edition of the Lagos City Marathon, he finished in third place behind fellow Kenyans Bernard Sang and Cheprot, who took first and second place, respectively. His return to the top spot in this year’s race demonstrates his resilience and ability to compete at the highest level.
In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa put up a spectacular performance to clinch her first victory in the competition. She completed the race in 2:37:04, further highlighting Ethiopia’s longstanding tradition of producing world-class marathoners. Her win adds to the growing list of Ethiopian female athletes who have dominated long-distance races across the globe, reinforcing the East African nation’s status as a powerhouse in athletics.
Amid the dominance of East African runners, Nigeria had a reason to celebrate as Nyango Gyang Boyi made history with a top 10 finish. Clocking a time of 2:25:41.58, Boyi secured the eighth position overall, making him the first Nigerian to achieve such a feat in the competition’s history. His achievement not only earned him a $4,000 cash prize but also secured him the N2 million reward as the first Nigerian to complete the marathon. His performance is seen as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest to develop world-class long-distance runners capable of competing against elite East African athletes.
Some Nigerians who are participants including Boyi
The event also witnessed the participation of notable personalities, including the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who joined the race to promote the spirit of sportsmanship and encourage healthy living among Nigerians. The marathon, which has grown in prestige over the years, was elevated to a Gold Label Road Race by World Athletics in 2023, a remarkable achievement considering that it was launched less than a decade ago. This international recognition has continued to attract top athletes from different continents, solidifying Lagos as a key destination for professional marathon racing.
The dominance of Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes in long-distance races is widely attributed to factors such as high-altitude training, disciplined endurance programs, and a deep-rooted culture of distance running. However, Boyi’s historic performance signals the potential of Nigerian athletes to break into the global marathon scene with the right investment and training. His performance is expected to inspire a new generation of Nigerian runners to take on the challenge of competing against East African powerhouses in future editions of the marathon.
With the increasing international attention on the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, organizers and stakeholders are expected to invest more in developing Nigerian talents, improving race infrastructure, and ensuring that the event continues to grow in stature. As Nigeria aims to establish itself as a competitive force in global marathon racing, Boyi’s achievement may mark the beginning of a new era for the country’s long-distance runners.
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