Organisers of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon have issued comprehensive race-day guidelines ahead of the 2026 edition, outlining arrangements on hydration, start times, cut-off rules, medal qualification, prize money, safety requirements and registration procedures.
In a statement released on Monday via the official social media channels of the marathon, the organisers said the measures were designed to ensure a safe, orderly and standardised experience for all participants.
“Your safety and comfort on race day remain our top priority. As part of our commitment to delivering a well coordinated and safe race experience, hydration has been carefully planned and will be provided exclusively through official hydration points along the course, in partnership with Aquafina,” the statement said.
The organisers explained that runners would not be allowed to use personal hydration sources or rely on third-party supplies along the route.
“To ensure consistency, safety, and smooth coordination throughout the race, we kindly ask that runners rely solely on the hydration provided,” the statement added.
According to the official race schedule, the 42-kilometre full marathon will begin at 6:30am and close at 12:30pm, allowing a maximum running time of six hours.
The 10-kilometre race will start later at 9:30am and will also close at 12:30pm, aligning both events within the same operational window.
Organisers clarified that participants are permitted to run at their preferred pace provided they remain within the official race period.
“All registered runners are free to run at their own pace within the official race window. The cut-off time applies strictly to medal qualification,” the statement noted.
With regard to medal eligibility, the organisers stated that only runners who complete the full race within the official cut-off time will qualify for finisher’s medals.
“Runners who complete the full race on or before cutoff time will receive an official ABLCM finisher’s medal,” the statement said.
The organisers also outlined the role of sweeper buses, which are deployed to remove participants who fall behind the minimum required pace.
“Runners picked up by the sweeper bus are deemed not to have completed the full race. Their bib will be marked. Marked bibs are not eligible for medals,” the organisers stated.
To further safeguard the integrity of the event, bibs will also be marked at the finish line after medal collection to prevent repeated claims.
The statement provided a detailed breakdown of prize money for both elite international runners and Nigerian participants across race categories.
Winners of the elite 42km race in the men’s and women’s divisions will earn prize money of up to $50,000, with rewards extended to athletes finishing as far as eighth place.
Nigerian runners competing in the 42km category will receive cash prizes ranging from ₦2 million for first place to ₦50,000 for lower-ranked finishers.
For the 10km race, the organisers confirmed that the first-place male and female finishers will each receive ₦500,000, with prizes awarded up to the fifth position.
Beyond competition rules, the organisers emphasised health and safety obligations for all participants, warning that long-distance running poses serious physical risks if undertaken without adequate preparation.
The statement said participation “can be a serious threat to the health of individuals who are not in excellent physical condition.”
As a result, all runners are required to present a valid medical certificate confirming that there is no medical reason preventing them from taking part in the race.
Participants must also sign a waiver releasing the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Nilayo Sports Management Limited, the organising committee and event sponsors from liability arising from injuries, accidents or incidents during the marathon.
On registration, the organisers reiterated that participation in the 2026 Lagos City Marathon remains free for all runners.
Registration forms can be obtained at all Access Bank branches nationwide and at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere.
Foreign participants are expected to complete their registration online through the official Lagos City Marathon website.
The organisers also confirmed the race routes for both events, noting that the 42km marathon will start at the Orca Shopping Mall on Ahmadu Bello Way, pass through the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road and end at Eko Atlantic City.
The 10km race will begin at Grace Garden Event Centre in Lekki and will also finish at Eko Atlantic City.
Concluding the statement, the organisers expressed confidence that the guidelines would help deliver a smooth and successful event.
“We look forward to an excellent race day together. Thank you for your understanding,” the statement said.
