Access Bank PLC marked a significant milestone this weekend, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon. The event, which has grown into one of Africa’s premier sporting fixtures, not only highlights the importance of healthy living but also showcases African talent on the world stage.
A Tribute to Herbert Wigwe: Visionary Leader and Marathon Founder
Held on Saturday, the marathon’s theme, “Miles to Memories,” paid tribute to the late Herbert Wigwe, former Group CEO of Access Holdings PLC, whose vision helped transform the marathon from a local race to an internationally recognized event.
Race Across Iconic Lagos Landmarks
Starting at the National Stadium in Surulere, participants raced across Lagos’s iconic landmarks, such as the Third Mainland Bridge, before finishing at the scenic Eko Atlantic City. The event celebrated both athleticism and the vibrant culture of Lagos, with thousands of spectators cheering along the route.
Chizoma Okoli Reflects on a Decade of Memories
Reflecting on the marathon’s decade-long impact, Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank, said, “We started with a goal to unite people, celebrate Lagos, and highlight Africa’s potential. Ten years later, we’ve seen nearly a million runners and countless stories of resilience.”
Kenya Dominates Men’s Category; Ethiopia Breaks Through in Women’s Race
In the competitive race, Kenyan runners dominated the men’s category, with Edwin Kibet claiming victory with a time of 2:14:19, while Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa broke Kenya’s streak, winning the women’s category in 2:37:04. For the first time in the event’s history, a Nigerian runner, Nyango Gyang Boyi, finished in the top 10, securing eighth place with a time of 2:25:41.
A Collaborative Effort for Continued Success
The marathon’s success highlights the strong collaboration between the Lagos State Government, Nilayo Sports Management, and local residents. Access Bank, committed to sustainability and community empowerment, looks forward to continuing its support for such initiatives for many years to come.
