Again, Kenya, Ethiopia Runners Win Lagos City Marathon
For yet another year, East African long-distance runners have asserted their dominance at the annual Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, with Kenya’s Edwin Kibet and Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa emerging victorious in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.
Kibet, who had previously won the 2023 edition and finished third in 2024, reclaimed the top spot in the men’s race, crossing the finish line with a time of 2:14:06 to secure the $50,000 prize money.
His triumph further cements Kenya’s stronghold on the prestigious 42km race, which has seen multiple victories by Kenyan athletes in past editions.
In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa outpaced her competitors, clocking a time of 2:37:04 to claim her first-ever victory in the Lagos City Marathon.
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Her performance adds to Ethiopia’s legacy of producing world-class female marathoners who have consistently performed well on the global stage.
Saturday’s race, which attracted elite athletes from across the world, saw thousands of local and international runners compete for glory in Lagos.
However, the results once again underscored the continued dominance of East African athletes, whose endurance and expertise in long-distance racing remain unmatched.
Kibet’s latest victory comes after his compatriot, Bernard Sang, won the 2024 edition with a time of 2:16:49. With yet another Kenyan standing atop the podium, the nation continues to affirm its reputation as a powerhouse in marathon running.
Meanwhile, the victory of Hirpa signals a new dawn for Ethiopian female runners in the Lagos City Marathon, as she joins the list of champions who have left their mark on the competition.
As the dust settles on another thrilling edition of the race, Nigerian runners and athletics enthusiasts are once again left reflecting on the need for more investment in long-distance running to compete at the highest level.
For now, the East Africans remain the undisputed kings and queens of the Lagos City Marathon.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
