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As Lagos gears up for the highly anticipated Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday, February 15, 2025, excitement and emotion run high. This year’s edition is much more than a race, it is a moving tribute to legacy and a celebration of resilience. Under the evocative theme “Miles to Memories,” every stride taken by the runners transforms physical distance into lasting recollections, blending athletic endurance with heartfelt remembrance of a visionary leader.

A Race that Transcends the Finish Line

Since its inaugural run in 2016, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has evolved from a local initiative into a global phenomenon. Originally established by Access Bank in collaboration with the Lagos State Government to promote healthier lifestyles, the event has grown into a symbol of unity, progress, and economic vitality for both Lagos and Nigeria. Today, the marathon not only places Lagos on the global sporting map but also showcases how major sporting events can drive tourism and stimulate business growth. As a Gold Label Marathon certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), it stands as a testament to the powerful synergy between sport, community, and commerce.

Local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to vendors and transport providers, thrive during the marathon weekend, benefiting from increased patronage as communities come together to support and celebrate the event. This collective participation reinforces the idea that when people unite around a common purpose, the rewards are shared by all.

Honoring a Visionary: Remembering Herbert Wigwe

This year, the marathon carries added emotional significance.  It marks the first anniversary of the passing of Herbert Wigwe, the late Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings PLC,  who was a transformative force behind the event. On the morning of February 10, 2024, a tragic helicopter crash claimed the lives of Herbert Wigwe, his wife, his son, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group PLC. The loss sent shockwaves throughout the nation, leaving an indelible void in the hearts of many Nigerians.

Despite the deep sense of loss, Herbert Wigwe’s legacy continues to inspire. In the wake of the tragedy, concerns arose that Access Bank might reconsider its sponsorship of the marathon. Instead, in a poignant gesture of remembrance and commitment, Access Bank, together with the Lagos State Government, has reaffirmed its support for the marathon. This enduring dedication ensures that Wigwe’s dreams and aspirations remain an integral part of every step taken by the runners.

“Miles to Memories”: A Journey of Emotion and Endurance

The theme “Miles to Memories” perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this year’s marathon. It suggests that every mile covered is imbued with personal and collective memories, reminders of challenges overcome, of unity celebrated, and of hope nurtured for a better future. For many participants, the race is a chance to commemorate Herbert Wigwe, whose visionary leadership not only transformed Access Bank but also reshaped the sporting landscape of Lagos. His enduring commitment to community development, healthy living, and economic empowerment continues to serve as a beacon for all who aspire to make a positive impact.

Each runner’s journey on the race day acts as a bridge between past and future, where the physical act of running becomes a metaphor for overcoming adversity and building a hopeful tomorrow. The event stands as a tribute not only to athletic excellence but also to the unyielding human spirit that continues to rise in the face of loss.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Prominence

When Access Bank and the Lagos State Government first partnered in 2016 to host the marathon, their goal was simple: to encourage a healthier lifestyle among Lagosians. Under Herbert Wigwe’s visionary leadership, the event quickly grew in stature. Today, it has attracted over 600,000 registered athletes from 14 countries, establishing itself as one of Africa’s most prestigious road races. This remarkable evolution is a testament to the power of visionary leadership, community engagement, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

The marathon’s growth from a local initiative to a globally recognised event highlights how passion and determination can transform a modest idea into an internationally celebrated movement. Lagos has firmly established itself as a marathon city renowned for its energy, hospitality, and unwavering commitment to progress.

Herbert Wigwe’s Vision: A Marathon for Unity & Progress

Herbert Wigwe’s influence on the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon remains as palpable today as ever. During the 2021 edition, he stated:

“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, imbued with hope and ambition, continue to guide the event. More than merely a race, the marathon has become a living legacy of Wigwe’s unwavering

commitment to community development and the transformative power of sport. His visionary approach has paved the way for countless initiatives that enrich lives, create employment opportunities, and foster pride and unity among Nigerians.

Herbert Wigwe’s legacy is not confined to history, it lives on in the hearts of those he touched and in the strides of every runner who participates in the marathon. His vision for a healthier, more prosperous Lagos inspires all, ensuring that his contributions will never be forgotten. Every cheer from the crowd, every drop of sweat on the pavement, and every moment of reflection during the race stands as a tribute to a man dedicated to progress, unity, and excellence.

The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon 2025 is more than a sporting event—it is a movement that transforms challenges into triumphs and distances into memories. It celebrates life, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a community marching forward, one determined step at a time.

Sponsors: The Pillars Behind the Marathon

Central to the success of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon are its dedicated sponsors. Access Bank, the major sponsor, has remained steadfast in its commitment to community development, ensuring that the marathon continues to be a platform for positive change. In partnership with the Lagos State Government, the event has grown into a major contributor to the local economy and an enduring source of inspiration for athletes and citizens alike.

Their unwavering support has been crucial in maintaining the high standards of the marathon, including its prestigious Gold Label status from AIMS. This commitment not only honours Herbert Wigwe’s legacy but also ensures that the marathon continues to inspire future generations to embrace a healthy, active lifestyle while cherishing the memories forged along the way.

Community, Commerce, and the Spirit of Resilience

The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is a celebration of more than athletic prowess, it is a testament to the power of community and the resilience of Lagosians. The event has consistently demonstrated that when communities unite, remarkable achievements are possible. By boosting local tourism and generating business opportunities, the marathon has had a transformative impact on the city’s economy.

During marathon weekend, local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets experience a surge in activity as visitors from around the globe flock to Lagos. At the same time, the event showcases the city’s vibrant culture on an international stage, reinforcing the idea that sport and commerce can work hand in hand to drive progress.

The Journey Ahead: Legacy, Resilience, and Unity

As runners prepare to take to the streets of Lagos on February 15, 2025, the atmosphere is charged with a profound sense of purpose. The marathon is not just a competition; it is a journey of remembrance and unity, where every stride honors the memory of Herbert Wigwe and every mile becomes a cherished memory. The theme “Miles to Memories” reminds participants that the race is as much about personal triumph as it is about collective resilience and hope.

In the face of past tragedies and challenges, the marathon stands as a beacon of hope. It is a day when the nation comes together to celebrate life, honor legacy, and build a future founded on unity and progress. Each runner carries with them the spirit of determination and the memory of a leader who believed in the power of community and the strength of collective ambition.

In celebrating “Miles to Memories,” the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon 2025 encapsulates the journey from loss to legacy, from grief to hope, and from memories to future milestones. With the steadfast support of sponsors like Access Bank and the Lagos State Government, this marathon not only delivers an exhilarating athletic challenge but also forges enduring memories that will inspire generations to come.

As the starting gun fires and runners take their first steps on the vibrant streets of Lagos, they are not merely participating in a race, they are becoming part of a legacy. Every mile traversed is a reminder of the resilience, unity, and indomitable spirit that define this great city. And in every memory made, the legacy of Herbert Wigwe lives on, guiding each runner toward a brighter, more hopeful future.

Herbert Wigwe may be gone, but his vision continues to run through the veins of every Lagosian and every athlete crossing the finish line. In Lagos, every mile is a memory, and every memory is a step toward a better tomorrow.