Ahead of the much-anticipated 10th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, the atmosphere is electric—the city is abuzz as runners from across the globe prepare for one of the world’s most prestigious road races.
As a Gold Label race, the marathon is more than just a sporting event; it serves as a major economic driver. From the transport industry to the hospitality sector, the event continues to create jobs and boost local businesses, solidifying its impact on Lagos’s economy.
While journalists and analysts alike are already making predictions about the race outcomes, adding to the suspense and excitement, organisers Nilayo Sports Management have stated that they remain committed to ensuring that this year’s edition surpasses expectations in both execution and experience.
Since its inception in 2016, the story of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has been one of courage, resilience, and sheer grit, as long-distance runners from across the globe continue to benefit from the substantial financial gains they make at each edition of the race.
At its inception, the goal of the partnership was to provide strategic support to the country’s sports industry and promote a healthy and active lifestyle among citizens. The campaign activities were built around the theme: ‘Running from the Old to the New’.
The 2016 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon had 50,000 registered participants and was ranked 2nd in Africa, after the Cape Town Marathon, by All-Athletics.com. It was also ranked 71st amongst over 1,000 international marathons across the globe.
One major achievement of the Lagos City Marathon was clinching the World Athletics Bronze Label on the heels of its second edition in 2017, becoming the third marathon in the world to accomplish such a feat within that timeframe.
The Marathon was awarded the Silver Label two years later, becoming the first-ever marathon in the world to attain this after only four editions.
In 2023, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon earned the World Athletics Gold Label ahead of that year’s edition of the race, officially becoming the first full marathon in Africa to achieve this historic feat and the 25th in the world to be awarded the coveted status.
It is worth noting that the World Athletics Gold Label is awarded to races that meet the international body’s requirements in terms of quality of organisation and management, among other criteria.
With its new status come higher expectations for this 10th edition, and the organisers and sponsors of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon are hoping that on Saturday, February 15, 2025, they will deliver a race that rivals previous editions in reach, impact, and magnitude—proving that the Marathon is indeed worthy of its status and is well on its way to clinching the elite label.
Hopefully, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will aim for the Platinum Label, which is the highest rating any international marathon can attain.
