Access Bank Lagos City Marathon 2025: Honoring a Legacy, Celebrating Resilience
As Lagos prepares for the much-anticipated Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday, February 15, 2025, this year’s edition carries deep significance beyond the sport itself. Under the theme “Miles to Memories,” the event is a tribute to Herbert Wigwe, the late Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings PLC, whose vision helped shape the marathon into the global event it is today.
Since its inception in 2016, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has evolved from a local race into an internationally recognized Gold Label Marathon certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). Beyond its athletic impact, the marathon has become a catalyst for economic growth, boosting tourism and benefiting local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and transport services.
This year, the event is not just about physical endurance but also about honoring a legacy. The marathon commemorates the first anniversary of Herbert Wigwe’s passing, following a tragic helicopter crash on February 10, 2024, that also claimed the lives of his wife, son, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group PLC. Despite the loss, Access Bank and the Lagos State Government have reaffirmed their commitment to the marathon, ensuring Wigwe’s vision remains alive.
Herbert Wigwe was not only instrumental in Access Bank’s growth but also in using sports as a tool for unity, community development, and economic empowerment. His belief in the power of major sporting events to bring people together and drive social impact led to Access Bank’s unwavering support for the marathon.
“As one of the leading banks in Nigeria and indeed Africa, it is imperative for us to support the economic and social development of the communities in which we operate. Hence, we have sponsored the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon to make Lagos more attractive to tourists and investors alike. We have also used this platform to create jobs and opportunities for thousands in the state.”
These words continue to inspire as thousands of runners take to the streets of Lagos, transforming their strides into lasting memories.
This year’s theme, “Miles to Memories,” perfectly captures the emotional and historical significance of the race. Every mile covered is a testament to resilience, not just for the athletes but also for the entire Lagos community. The marathon represents:
– A remembrance of Herbert Wigwe’s contributions to sports, economic growth, and social impact.
– A demonstration of endurance and unity among runners from diverse backgrounds.
– An opportunity for businesses to thrive, reinforcing Lagos’ status as a major sporting and economic hub.
What started as a local initiative in 2016 has now attracted over 600,000 athletes from 14 countries, making it one of Africa’s premier road races. The marathon’s growth under Wigwe’s leadership reflects the power of visionary commitment, community engagement, and excellence in execution.
As thousands lace up their running shoes for the 2025 edition, the race becomes more than a competition—it transforms into a collective tribute, ensuring that Wigwe’s dream continues to inspire generations to come.
The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon 2025 serves as a powerful symbol of how sports, commerce, and community can come together to create lasting change. Thanks to Access Bank’s sponsorship and the Lagos State Government’s partnership, the event will continue to be a pillar of unity, resilience, and progress.
As runners take their first strides on race day, they won’t just be crossing miles—they’ll be carrying forward a legacy. With every step, they turn memories into milestones, ensuring that Herbert Wigwe’s vision lives on, not just in history, but in every heartbeat of Lagos.
