Kenya’s Kibet, Ethiopia’s Hirpa Win 2025 Lagos Marathon

Kenya’s Kibet, Ethiopia’s Hirpa Win 2025 Lagos Marathon.
Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa claimed victory in the women’s category at 2:37:04.
The Lagos City Marathon remains a top-tier event after earning a Gold Label.

Kenyan long-distance runner Edwin Kibet has once again asserted his dominance in the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, emerging victorious in the men’s category of the 2025 edition.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Kibet completed the grueling 42km race in 2 hours, 14 minutes, and 6 seconds to claim the $50,000 prize money.

The Kenyan runner, who previously won the marathon in 2023, reclaimed his title after finishing third in last year’s race behind compatriot Bernard Sang and another Kenyan, Cheprot. His impressive victory further cements East Africa’s dominance in the annual competition, which has been largely controlled by Kenyan and Ethiopian runners.

In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa clinched her first-ever win, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 37 minutes, and 4 seconds. Her victory adds to Ethiopia’s strong track record in international marathons, showcasing the country’s depth in long-distance running.

The 2025 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon kicked off at Western Avenue, in front of the National Stadium, Surulere, with thousands of runners participating. The route stretched across key parts of the city before concluding at Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island.

The annual marathon continues to grow in prestige, having been upgraded to a Gold Label event by World Athletics in 2023—just eight years after its inception. With top-tier athletes competing each year, the race has solidified Lagos as a hub for elite long-distance running.