Major consumer and telecom brands, including Power Oil, Aquafina and Airtel, have confirmed their sponsorship of the 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, reinforcing private-sector support for one of Africa’s largest road races.
Organisers of the marathon said the backing from leading brands will strengthen logistics, safety and runner welfare for the upcoming edition, which is scheduled to hold on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The annual event is expected to attract elite athletes, amateur runners and international participants from across the globe.
Hydration for runners will be handled exclusively through official water points along the race route, in partnership with Aquafina. Organisers said the arrangement is designed to ensure proper hydration control and reduce health risks during the race.
Brandspur Brand News reports that the 2026 marathon will feature two race categories, a 42-kilometre full marathon and a 10-kilometre road race, both ending at Eko Atlantic City. The full marathon will begin at 6:30 a.m. from Orca Shopping Mall on Ahmadu Bello Way, while the 10km race will start at 9:30 a.m. from the Grace Garden Event Centre in Lekki.
The organisers confirmed a six-hour cut-off time for the 42km race, with medal eligibility limited strictly to runners who complete the course within the approved timeframe. Participants picked up by official sweeper buses or flagged during the race will not qualify for finisher medals.
Prize money for elite athletes remains one of the biggest attractions of the Lagos City Marathon. Winners of the men’s and women’s 42km elite races stand to earn up to $50,000, with cash prizes extending to the top eight finishers. Nigerian elite runners will also compete for cash rewards ranging from ₦2 million to ₦50,000.
For the 10km race, organisers said first-place finishers in both the male and female categories will receive ₦500,000, with additional prizes awarded up to fifth position.
Organisers cautioned that road racing carries inherent health risks and stressed that participation is restricted to runners who are medically fit. All runners are required to present a valid medical certificate and sign a liability waiver absolving the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Nilayo Sports Management Limited, sponsors and the organising committee from responsibility in the event of injury or unforeseen incidents.
Registration for local participants is free and available at all Access Bank branches nationwide, as well as at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere. International runners are required to complete registration online via the official marathon website.
Organisers expressed confidence that the 2026 edition will deliver a well-coordinated and safe race day, thanking sponsors, partners and participants for their continued support of the Lagos City Marathon.
