Nigeria Perseveres As East Africans Win Lagos City Marathon

By: Gyang Dakwo

Nyango Gyang Boyi made Nigeria proud by finishing eighth overall as East African athletes maintained their dominance at the 2025 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

Boyi clocked a time of 2:25:41:58. with Kenya’s Edwin Kibet, winning the men’s category in 2:14:06. The victory earned Kibet the $50,000 top prize and marked his second triumph in the prestigious event, following his initial success in 2023.

Ethiopian runner Guta Meseret Hirpa claimed victory in the women’s division, completing the 42-kilometre course in 2:37:04. This is her first victory in the Lagos competition, further strengthening East Africa’s presence in international athletics.

Boyi’s performance earned him $4,000 in prize money, plus an additional N2 million, for being the first Nigerian to cross the finish line. This result marked the first time a Nigerian runner had finished within the top 10 positions.

A star participant at the event was Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu participated in the event, which started at Western Avenue near the National Stadium Surulere and concluded at Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island.