On 6 February 2016, Nigeria staged the first Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, marking a major moment in local sports history.
The 42-kilometre race drew thousands of runners through Lagos streets, starting from National Stadium, Surulere, and ending in Eko Atlantic City.
It was Nigeria’s first internationally certified marathon, officially recognised by World Athletics and backed by the Lagos State Government.
Kenyan runner Adeladza Kimetto won the maiden edition, while Nigerian athletes used the platform to compete against elite global runners.
Beyond competition, the marathon showcased Lagos as a viable host for large-scale international sporting events and sports tourism.
The event also created opportunities for local athletes, volunteers, medical teams and security agencies, strengthening grassroots sports development.
Since that first race, the Lagos City Marathon has grown into an annual fixture on Nigeria’s sporting calendar.
February 6, 2016, stands as the day Nigeria firmly placed distance running on the global map.
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