18 Days to Go: Can Kenya’s Edwin Kibet Defend His Expensive Crown at 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon?

With 18 days to go to the 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, the spotlight is firmly on defending champion Edwin Kibet Koech of Kenya and the big question on everyone’s mind – can he do it again?

Kibet stamped his authority on the streets of Lagos at the 10th edition of the marathon on February 15, 2025, storming to victory in 2:14:18 to clinch the $50,000 winner’s prize and reclaim his place at the top of Africa’s biggest road race.

The triumph marked a remarkable comeback for the Kenyan star, who had won the race in 2023, before losing his title in 2024 to compatriot Bernard Sang.

Determined to bounce back, Kibet returned stronger in 2025, outpacing Nehemiah Kipyegon (2:16:37) and Bernard Cheruiyot (2:17:17) as Kenya completed a dominant clean sweep of the podium.

Now, as Lagos prepares for the landmark 11th edition on February 14, 2026, all eyes will be on Kibet to see if he can withstand renewed challenges from East Africa’s finest and the growing ambition of Nigerian and international contenders, to successfully defend his crown.

As the countdown continues, the stage is set for another high-stakes showdown where pride, prestige, and $50,000 in prize money await the fastest man to the finish line.

In 18 days, the road will give its answer