The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has unveiled a historic new race route for its 11th edition. This makes the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway the centrepiece of Africa’s biggest road race for the first time.
The 42-kilometre World Athletics Gold Label event will commence at ORCA Mall on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Runners will sweep through sections of the newly constructed coastal highway. Then, they will go to the iconic Eko Atlantic City.
Federal Controller of Works Olufemi Dare confirmed that all arrangements have been finalised for the event. He revealed that the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, will be physically present in Lagos on Friday ahead of the marathon.
Dare urged residents to stay off the coastal road from midnight on Friday until 12:30 pm on Saturday. This is because the road will be completely blocked for the race.
The Lagos State Government has simultaneously released a comprehensive traffic diversion plan for the February 14 event. Commissioner for Transportation Oluwaseun Osiyemi announced that adjoining roads, junctions, and intersections along both race routes will be closed from 12:00 am to 12:30 pm on race day.
The 10-kilometre race will retain its familiar course. It will start at Durosimi Etti Street in Lekki Phase 1 and pass through Ozumba Mbadiwe, Bishop Oluwole, Akin Adesola, and Sanusi Fafunwa.
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This 11th edition marks 11 years of consistent growth for the marathon. The race has evolved beyond a road race into a platform for discovering athletic talent and boosting Lagos’s economy.
Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and sports fans will converge on Lagos streets on Saturday. They will participate for career aspirations, enjoyment, and national pride in what promises to be a memorable edition.
