Access Bank Lagos City Marathon unveils new route for historic 11th edition
Organisers of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon (ABLCM) have announced a new race route for the 11th edition of the event, scheduled to hold on Saturday, February 14, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Africa’s biggest road race.
The announcement was made in a statement on Thursday by Media Assistant to the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Kola Daniel in Lagos.
According to Daniel, the World Athletics Gold Label marathon is set to usher in a new era with a refreshed course designed to enhance the athlete experience and showcase modern infrastructure.
Under the new arrangement, the 42-kilometre marathon will start at ORCA Mall on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, and pass through sections of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road before finishing at the iconic Eko Atlantic City.
The new finish point, organisers said, underscores Lagos’ growing status as the heartbeat of road racing in Africa.
Daniel explained that the strategic route change signals the dawn of a new decade for the marathon, prioritising smoother racing conditions and a compelling race narrative that places Lagos firmly on the global stage as a fast-rising city.
He noted that after 10 editions on a familiar course deeply woven into Nigeria’s sporting culture, the updated route both honours the marathon’s rich legacy and injects fresh energy, curiosity and spectacle for runners, spectators and international audiences.
“The inclusion of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road also offers a stunning showcase of one of Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure projects through a World Athletics Gold Label race watched across the globe,” Daniel said.
Also speaking, Yetunde Olopade, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, owners of the ABLCM, described the 11th edition as more than just another race, but a symbol of evolution.
She said the new route allows organisers to reimagine the marathon experience while maintaining core values of excellence, safety and world-class delivery.
Olopade added that as a Gold Label event, the marathon continues to attract elite athletes from around the world, alongside thousands of recreational runners, while commanding extensive local and international media attention.
Beyond competition, she noted that the race remains a powerful platform for sports tourism, urban storytelling, youth engagement and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
While the 42km marathon route has been refreshed for the 11th edition, Olopade disclosed that the 10km race will retain its familiar course to ensure continuity for participants in that category.
She added that further details, including route maps, athlete updates and race-day logistics, will be released through official Access Bank Lagos City Marathon channels in the coming weeks.