The 11th edition of Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will hold this Saturday, with award-winning music sensation, Shoday, expected to perform live at the post-race party.
The party is organised to celebrate runners and the event, at Eko Atlantic City, as organisers say this Saturday’s event promises not only world-class athletic competition, but also a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community.
Thousands of elite and non-elite runners will take on the challenge across Lagos, one of Africa’s most iconic cities.
According to the organisers, the introduction of both music and culture is an addition to an electrifying twist to the Valentine’s Day showdown, with a live performance from Shoday to welcome athletes and fans at the finish line.
Organisers of the gold-labelled Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Nilayo Sports Management Limited, have described the 11th edition of the race as iconic, marking the beginning of a new decade for one of Africa’s most prestigious road races.
Speaking on Friday at the Access Bank headquarters in Lagos to herald the commencement of the race, the Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, said the 2026 edition represents growth, resilience and renewed ambition for the marathon.
She expressed appreciation to Access Bank, other corporate sponsors and the Lagos State Government for their unwavering support and commitment to the annual event.
“This 11th edition is symbolic for us. It is not just another race, it signals the beginning of another decade of excellence, impact and global recognition for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon”.
“We are deeply grateful to Access Bank, our valued sponsors and the Lagos State Government for their consistency and belief in this vision. Together, we have built one of the most revered road races in Africa, and this year’s event will be nothing short of world class.”

Mrs. Olopade assured runners, partners and spectators of a top-notch race that will further consolidate the marathon’s status and international standing.
Also speaking at the event, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, commended the organisers for their professionalism and dedication, noting that the race has continued to elevate Lagos’ profile globally.
Adding his voice, the President of the International Association of Ultra Runners, Mr. Nadeem Khan, described the growth of the marathon over the years as remarkable, applauding the organisers and stakeholders for their vision and execution.
The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has grown into one of Africa’s premier road races, attracting international stars, elite Kenyan and Ethiopian runners, and Nigeria’s finest long-distance athletes.
This year’s edition is expected to deliver another thrilling contest as runners battle for top honours and significant prize money, while fans enjoy a spectacular post-race celebration headlined by Shoday.
From the starting gun to the final stride at Eko Atlantic City, this Saturday’s marathon race promises endurance, entertainment, and excellence, all in one unforgettable experience.
Former Nigeria jumper, Yusuf Alli said everything needed to make the event great had been put in place. He added that the decision to take the race to the coastal road was to allow the runners enjoy the smooth race. “Many years ago, the late Festus Okotie-Eboh moved that a coastal road be constructed from Lagos to Calabar. We now have a government that did it, and we have the celebrate it,” Alli said.