With a focus on runner safety and race coordination, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon organizers have published comprehensive standards addressing hydration, race schedules, cut-off timings, medal eligibility, and prize money ahead of the 2026 edition.
The organizers emphasized in a statement posted on their official Facebook page on Monday before to the event that all competitors will only receive fluids from official hydration stations placed along the race course in collaboration with Aquafina.
“On race day, your comfort and safety are still our first priorities. Hydration has been meticulously prepared and will only be supplied through official hydration sites along the route, in collaboration with Aquafina, as part of our commitment to providing a well-coordinated and safe race experience,” the statement stated.
The organizers clarified that in order to maintain consistent safety standards and seamless coordination, runners are expected to rely only on the hydration supplied during the race.
“We kindly ask that runners rely solely on the hydration provided to ensure consistency, safety, and smooth coordination throughout the race,” the statement continued.
Race Schedule and Start Times
The entire 42-kilometer marathon will begin at 6:30 am and officially end at 12:30 pm, with a six-hour cutoff time, according to the race schedule. The 10-kilometer race will start at 9:30 a.m. and end at 12:30 p.m.
The cut-off time is solely related to medal qualification and not general participation, the organizers explained, even though all registered participants are free to run at their own speed throughout the official event window.
“During the official race window, any registered runner is free to run at their own speed. The deadline only pertains to medal qualification, according to the statement.
Medal Qualifications and Cut-Off Guidelines
The conditions under which finishers would be eligible for official medals were also described in the statement.
According to the organizers, “runners who finish the entire race on or before cutoff time will receive an official ABLCM finisher’s medal.”
The organizers implemented stringent procedures, including the use of sweeper buses and bib labeling, to guarantee impartiality.
“Runners who are picked up by the sweeper bus are not considered to have finished the entire race. They’ll mark their bib. Medals are not awarded for marked bibs, according to the statement.
In order to avoid repeated claims and preserve the race’s integrity, bibs would also be marked at the finish line following medal collection.
Breakdown of Prize Money
Prize money for both elite and Nigerian categories was also specified in the statement. Up to $50,000 will be awarded to the men’s and women’s elite 42-kilometer event winners, with awards going up to eighth place.
The organizers emphasized that there are health dangers associated with running the marathon, especially for those who are not physically prepared.
Participation “can be a serious threat to the health of individuals who are not in excellent physical condition,” according to the statement, and all runners must show a medical certificate attesting to the absence of any contraindications.
A waiver relieving the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Nilayo Sports Management Limited, the organizing committee, and sponsors from liability resulting from injuries or accidents during the race must also be agreed to all participants.
Enrollment and Involvement
The Lagos City Marathon in 2026 has free registration. Forms are available at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere as well as at every Access Bank location across the country. It is anticipated that international competitors would register online through the official Lagos City Marathon website.
The 42-kilometer race will begin at the Orca Shopping Mall on Ahmadu Bello Way, travel down the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road, and end at Eko Atlantic City. The 10-kilometer race will begin at the Grace Garden Event Center in Lekki and conclude in Eko Atlantic City.
In closing, the organizers promised runners a smooth race day.
“We anticipate having a fantastic race day together. I appreciate your understanding,” the statement said.
