WA, NSC Finalise Preparations As Lagos Set To Host Africa Running Conference 2026

Lagos, Nigeria, is poised to become the epicentre of African road running as it hosts the Africa Running Conference 2026. The two-day continental event, organised under the aegis of World Athletics (WA) and in collaboration with the National Sport Commission NSC), aims to redefine the future of running and mass participation sports across Africa.

Scheduled for today, 12th February (workshops) and Friday, 13th February 2026 (conference), the gathering precedes the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on 14th February 2026.

Under the theme “Reshaping Running and Mass Participation in Africa: Embracing the Global Community,” the conference will unite prominent figures from global and African athletics, sports governance, finance, and mass participation platforms. Discussions will centre on sustainability, innovation, and growth within road running.

A distinguished roster of speakers includes Dr. Paul Tergat, former marathon world record holder, Kenyan Olympic legend, and Africa Running Conference Ambassador; Alessio Punzi, Head of Running at World Athletics; Fatma Abdal Amale, Vice President of Kenya Athletics; and Jackson Tuwei, Vice President of World Athletics and President of Athletics Kenya.

Other notable speakers include Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission; Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank Plc; Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emienim, Managing Director and CEO of Premium Trust Bank Plc; Tayo Popoola, General Coordinator of the Lagos Marathon; Nadeem Khan, President of the International Association of Ultra Runners; and Chris Robb, Founder and CEO of RunThrough and Mass Participation World.

The conference will feature technical workshops, high-level panel discussions, and knowledge-sharing sessions designed to bolster race organisation, expand grassroots participation, and align African road running with global best practices.

With stakeholders from across the continent and beyond expected, the Africa Running Conference 2026 is set to be a pivotal platform for shaping the next phase of running development in Africa.