The vibrant city of Lagos came alive last Saturday as thousands of runners, spectators, and dignitaries gathered for the highly anticipated Access Bank Lagos City Marathon (ABLCM) 2025. Marking its 10th anniversary, the marathon, envisioned by the late Herbert Wigwe, former Group Chief Executive Officer, Access Holdings PLC, has grown into a symbol of unity, impact, and sustainability. This reflects the commitment of Access Bank PLC, its title sponsor, to fostering community engagement and global recognition for Nigeria’s sporting landscape.
Since its inception, Access Bank has been a steadfast sponsor of the marathon, ensuring its evolution into one of Africa’s most prestigious road races. This year’s edition saw an overwhelming turnout, with over 25,000 participants hitting the streets of Lagos for the 42km race, demonstrating resilience, determination, and a shared passion for long-distance running.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was in attendance and participated in the race, expressed his admiration for the event’s scale and organisation.
“I have also taken part in my own 6km race and [must commend] the level of organisation. I must say, the turnout has been impressive. I was told that over 25,000 people started the race this morning, but we don’t know how many completed it. What we are looking at is how to make the race much more a global brand for the 11th edition,” declared Sanwo-Olu.
He further emphasised the need to elevate the marathon to a broader stage: “We have done it with Access Bank and Lagos State for the last 10 years, it is now time to make it bigger and that is what we are looking forward to: making it a federal appeal. We have the federal government backing and we hope that Access Bank will also allow more sponsors to come in because it will get bigger next year.
“Sports is a frontline in revenue generation; it brings about tourism, funding, and an improved economy. Just imagine the number of people present today. It is a way of boosting the economy. Sports has its place in the global market, and we need to take it seriously.”
Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank, Chizoma Okoli, highlighted the marathon’s remarkable journey and the bank’s unwavering commitment to its success.
“Ten years ago, we embarked on this journey with a simple goal: to create a marathon that would unite people from all walks of life, celebrate the energy of Lagos, and highlight the incredible potential of our continent. Today, as we look back on a decade of memories, we see nearly a million runners who have pounded the Lagos asphalt, millions of spectators who have cheered them on, and countless
stories of resilience, triumph, and connection.”
Okoli further underscored the synergy between the marathon’s growth and Access Bank’s vision:
“This race is a perfect metaphor for the vision we hold at Access Bank: to become the world’s most respected African bank. Just as this marathon has grown from a humble beginning to become Africa’s most prestigious road race, our commitment at Access Bank is to build a platform that empowers dreams, connects communities, and showcases Africa’s excellence on the global stage.”
The 10th edition of the ABLCM was not just a race but a celebration of the spirit of Lagos, Africa’s endurance sport potential, and a decade of fostering unity through sports. With sustainability at the core of its objectives, the marathon has integrated eco-friendly initiatives, encouraged local participation, and attracted global athletes, further cementing its reputation as a world-class sporting event.
As Access Bank continues to drive the marathon to new heights, the legacy of the late Herbert Wigwe, former Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings PLC, remains an integral part of this journey. Wigwe was a visionary leader whose passion for innovation and societal impact shaped the bank’s commitment to sports, sustainability, and community development.
His unrelenting support for the Lagos City Marathon played a crucial role in its success over the past decade. Wigwe believed in the power of sports to unite people, stimulate economic growth, and promote a healthier society. Under his leadership, Access Bank strengthened its corporate social responsibility initiatives, ensuring that events like the marathon became platforms for inspiring change and fostering a sense of belonging.
His influence continues to resonate as Access Bank builds on his legacy, championing inclusivity, sustainability, and excellence. The marathon stands as a testament to his dedication to uplifting communities and showcasing Nigeria’s potential on a global stage.
As the marathon gears up for its 11th edition, stakeholders, athletes, and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate an even bigger and more globally recognized event, continuing to showcase Lagos as a hub for sports, tourism, and economic growth.
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