While some people were busy buying flowers and planning dates, Lagos had something bigger going on. The 11th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon took over the streets on February 14, 2026, and if you were anywhere near Eko Atlantic City that morning, you already know how serious things got.

Over 20,000 runners from Nigeria and across the world came out for this one. How the Day WentThe race started and ended at ORCA Mall, Eko Atlantic City, covering the full 42km distance. Roads were closed, traffic was redirected, and Lagosians lined the streets to cheer on everyone from elite international athletes to everyday people who simply decided they were going to finish a marathon this year. Who Took the Top SpotsKenya's Ezra Kipchumba Kering won the men's race with a finishing time of 2:11:55, with Uganda's Lomoi Samuel and Namutala Lumbasi following closely behind. Nigeria's Boyi Nyango was the first Nigerian man to cross the finish line, and for a lot of fans, that moment mattered. On the women's side, Ethiopia's Dinke Meseret Meleka took first place with a time of 2:37:36.

Kenya's Cheyech Daniel came in second and Ethiopia's Zewdalem Getaw finished third. One Thing That Shouldn't Have HappenedIn the middle of all the celebration, an ambulance struck a spectator near the finish line. It was a frightening moment at what was otherwise a joyful event. Reports say the person is stable, and authorities are looking into it. Why This Marathon Is ImportantEvery year the Lagos City Marathon comes around, it does something important. If you missed the 2026 edition, you have about twelve months to train for the next one. No pressure though.