Kenyan athlete Bernard Sang has emerged as the winner of the Gold-Label Access Bank Lagos City Marathon in a time of 2:16:49 to win $30,000 in prize money.

The race, which spans a distance of 42 kilometres through the bustling streets of Lagos, starting from the National Stadium, Surulere, and ending at Eko Atlantic, attracts runners from all over the world.

Sang crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 49 seconds to claim first place, outpacing his competitors, Silas Cheprot and Geoffrey Birgen, both also from Kenya.

In the women’s category, 25-year-old Kebene Chala of Ethiopia was the first woman to cross the finish line, claiming prize money of $30,000, while the duo from Kenya came in second and third, with prize money of $20,000 and $15,000, respectively.

Despite various challenges, Sang maintained his focus and determination throughout the course, ultimately securing a clear victory.

“I am very happy and grateful to have won the 9th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon. I have been participating in this race and never emerged as a winner. Last year, I came in third, but this year is different because I won the race,” Sang said. Sang attributed his success to his rigorous training regimen.

“Despite the hot weather conditions in Kenya, I trained both in the morning and evening for over two months, and the hard work paid off as I emerged victorious in the marathon.”

Over 81 world-class elite runners participated in the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon 2024.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, the owners of the Lagos City Marathon, Chief Bukola Olopade, the United Nations has also confirmed the participation of 15 refugee runners among the rich field of runners participating in the 9th Lagos City Marathon.