Organisers of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon have released detailed guidelines covering hydration, race schedules, cut-off times, medal eligibility and prize money ahead of the 2026 edition, with a strong emphasis on runner safety and race coordination.

In a statement issued on its official Facebook handle on Monday ahead of the event, the organisers stressed that hydration for all participants will be provided exclusively through official hydration points positioned along the race route, in partnership with Aquafina.

“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 read.

The organisers explained that runners are expected to rely solely on the hydration provided during the race to ensure uniform safety standards and smooth coordination.

“To ensure consistency, safety, and smooth coordination throughout the race, we kindly ask that runners rely solely on the hydration provided,” the statement added.

Race Schedule and Start Times

According to the race timetable, the full 42-kilometre marathon will start at 6:30am and officially close at 12:30pm, with a cut-off time of six hours. The 10km race will begin later in the morning at 9:30am and also close at 12:30pm.

Organisers clarified that while all registered runners are free to run at their own pace within the official race window, the cut-off time is strictly tied to medal qualification and not general participation.

“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.

Medal Eligibility and Cut-Off Rules

The statement further outlined the conditions under which finishers would qualify for official medals.

“Runners who complete the full race on or before cutoff time will receive an official ABLCM finisher’s medal,” organisers stated.

To ensure fairness, the organisers introduced strict measures involving the use of sweeper buses and bib marking.

“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 statement said.

It added that bibs would also be marked at the finish line after medal collection to prevent multiple claims and to protect the integrity of the race.

Prize Money Breakdown

The statement also detailed prize money for both elite and Nigerian categories. Winners of the elite 42km race in the men’s and women’s categories will earn up to $50,000, with prizes extending to the eighth position.

Nigerian runners competing in the same category will vie for cash rewards ranging from ₦2 million for first place to ₦50,000 for lower finishers.

For the 10km race, the top finisher in both the male and female categories will receive ₦500,000, while prizes will be awarded down to the fifth position.

Health, Safety and Liability

Organisers reiterated that participation in the marathon comes with health risks, particularly for individuals who are not physically prepared.

The statement warned that participation “can be a serious threat to the health of individuals who are not in excellent physical condition” and requires all runners to present a medical certificate confirming there is no contraindication to participation.

Participants are also required to agree to a waiver releasing the Athletics Federation of Nigeria , Nilayo Sports Management Limited, the organising committee and sponsors from liability arising from injuries or incidents during the race.

Registration and Participation

Registration for the 2026 Lagos City Marathon is free. Forms can be obtained at all Access Bank branches nationwide and at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere. Foreign participants are expected to register online via the official Lagos City Marathon website.

The 42km race will start at the Orca Shopping Mall on Ahmadu Bello Way, run through the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road and finish at Eko Atlantic City. The 10km race will start from Grace Garden Event Centre, Lekki, and also finish at Eko Atlantic City.

The organisers concluded by assuring runners of a well-coordinated race day.

“We look forward to an excellent race day together. Thank you for your understanding,” the statement read.