Nigeria earned some bragging rights in the history of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon as Plateau-born Nyango Gyang Boyi became the first Nigerian to finish in the top 10 at the annual event in Lagos on Saturday.
Gyang Boyi finished eighth, clocking a time of 2:25:41 in the marathon to go home with a $4,000 cash prize award, in addition to winning the N2million top prize as the first Nigerian to cross the finish line.
“As the first Nigerian to finish the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Boyi’s incredible achievement is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the undeniable spirit of Plateau. He has not only brought pride to our state but has also set a new standard for long-distance running in Nigeria,” Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, wrote on his official Facebook page.
Boyi, a 10,000 metres, marathon and half marathon athlete, is no stranger to history-making feats. In 2024, the Physical & Health Education student at the University of Jos, won the first ever Rivers State International Marathon after completing the race in a time of 2 hours, 28 minutes, and 29 seconds. His remarkable feat earned him a $10,000 cheque from the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
This year’s marathon, the 10th edition, was again dominated by Kenyans as the East Africans swept the podium places.
Kenya’s Edwin Koch Kibet won the men’s category after completing the 42km race with an impressive time of 2 hours, 14 minutes, and 19 seconds, while compatriot Kipygon Nehemiah (2:16:37), placed second, and the winner of last year’s race, Bernard Sang Cheruiyot, clinched the bronze medal with a time of 2:16:49.
It was a different tale in the women’s category where Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa emerged winner to upset the Kenyans. Hirpa got to the finish line in a time of 2:37:04 with her compatriot, Aleminesh Herpha was second in 2:38:01, while Kenyan Jerono Peris settled for third place in 2:38:01.
Kibet and Hirpa won the 1st place $50,000 prize money in the event which saw over 37,000 athletes competing in both the 10km and 42km races.
The second and third place positions received $20,000 and $15,000 prize money respectively.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Access Bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Chizoma Okoli, said the Bank started the marathon journey 10 years ago with a simple goal – to create a marathon that would unite people from all walks of life, celebrate the energy of Lagos, and highlight the incredible potential of our continent.
“Today, as we look back on a decade of memories, we see nearly a million runners who have pounded the Lagos asphalt, millions of spectators who have cheered them on, and countless stories of resilience, triumph, and connection,” she stated.
“This race is a perfect metaphor for the vision we hold at Access Bank – to become the world’s most respected African bank. Just as this marathon has grown from a humble beginning to become Africa’s most prestigious road race, our commitment at Access Bank is to build a platform that empowers dreams, connects communities, and showcases Africa’s excellence on the global stage,” she added.
This year’s event was themed, “Miles to Memories,” in honour of the legacy of the late Herbert Wigwe, former Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings PLC.
“Wigwe’s visionary leadership was instrumental in establishing the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon and ultimately transforming it from a local initiative into a globally recognised event,” the Bank noted in a statement.
The 2025 race commenced at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, with participants traversing iconic landmarks of the city, including the Third Mainland Bridge, before culminating at Eko Atlantic City. The event not only showcased the athletic prowess of its participants but also highlighted Lagos’s vibrant culture and scenic beauty.
“Congratulations to all the runners, organizers, and supporters who made this event a success. Lagos continues to set the pace in hosting world-class sporting events. We are building a city where sports, tourism, and opportunity thrive,” said Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
