The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is entering a new era, as organisers unveil a new race route for the 11th edition, scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026.
In a first for Africa’s biggest road race, the 42km marathon will start at ORCA Mall on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, sweep through sections of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road, and climax at the iconic Eko Atlantic City, showcasing Lagos as the heartbeat of road racing in Africa.
According to the organisers of the race, the strategic route change signals the dawn of a new decade for the marathon, prioritising a smoother athlete experience, modern infrastructure, and a refreshed race story that puts Lagos firmly on the world stage as a fast-rising global city.
After 10 editions on a familiar course that has become woven into Nigeria’s sporting culture, the organisers say the refreshed route honours the marathon’s rich legacy while injecting fresh energy, curiosity, and spectacle for runners, fans, and international audiences alike.
The inclusion of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road also offers a stunning showcase of one of Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure projects through a World Athletics Gold Label race watched across the globe.
“The 11th edition is not just another race; it represents evolution,” said Mrs Yetunde Olopade, the MD/CEO of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, owners of ABLCM.
“The new route allows us to reimagine the marathon experience while staying true to our values of excellence, safety, and world-class delivery.”
A World Athletics Gold Label event, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon continues to draw elite athletes from around the world, alongside thousands of recreational runners, while commanding extensive local and international media attention.
- Media Report