Kenyan long-distance runner Ezra Kipchumba Kering emerged winner of the men’s race at the 11th edition of the Lagos City Marathon held on Saturday, completing the 42-kilometre course in a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes and 55 seconds.
Kering’s performance came under rainy conditions and saw him fall just short of the course record set in 2020 by one minute and 32 seconds. His finishing time also improved on last year’s winning mark by more than two minutes, set by fellow Kenyan Koech Edwin Kibet.
Despite the strong showing, the 40-year-old remains over 10 minutes behind the world marathon record established by compatriot Kelvin Kiptum at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.
The victory continues Kenya’s dominance in the competition, making Kering the fourth consecutive Kenyan winner and the sixth in the last seven editions. The Lagos City Marathon, which began in 2016, has consistently been dominated by East African athletes.
In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Meseret Dinke delivered a commanding performance, finishing in 2 hours, 37 minutes and 36 seconds to secure her third Lagos title, having previously won in 2019 and 2021. Ethiopian runners have maintained an unbeaten streak in the women’s race since 2018.
Among Nigerian athletes, Boyi Solomon Nyango was the first local male to cross the finish line with a time of 2 hours, 25 minutes and 32 seconds, while Deborah Pam Badung led the Nigerian women, finishing in 2 hours, 55 minutes and 46 seconds.
The annual marathon has grown into one of Africa’s premier road races, attracting elite international competitors and showcasing long-distance talent from across the continent.
