Lagos Shuts Critical Roads for 12 Hours as 2026 City Marathon Debuts New Coastal Route

Lagosians planning a romantic outing or early morning commute this Saturday, February 14, will need to navigate a major city-wide “shutdown” as the 11th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon takes over the streets. The Lagos State Government on Wednesday released a comprehensive traffic advisory, warning that several critical corridors will be closed for up to 12 hours.

In a move that signals an “evolution” for the Gold Label race, organizers have ditched the traditional National Stadium start line for a refreshed route that showcases the city’s newest infrastructure. The 42km elite race will kick off at 6:30 AM from the Orca/MRS Gas Station on Ahmadu Bello Way, sweeping through the massive Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road before finishing at Eko Atlantic City.

Meanwhile, the 10km “Fun Run” will begin at 9:30 AM at Durosimi Etti in Lekki Phase 1, cutting through Ozumba Mbadiwe and terminating at Sanusi Fafunwa.

“To ensure a world-class and safe experience for the athletes, all adjoining roads, junctions, and intersections along these routes will be blocked starting from midnight on Saturday,” announced the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi. “We urge residents to plan ahead, use alternative routes, and be patient as we host this global event.”

To manage the disruption, LASTMA and other security agencies will be stationed at every entry point to the race corridor. While the total closure is expected to last until 12:30 PM, the government has promised to reopen roads intermittently as the “sweeper bus” passes, allowing a gradual return to a “State of Harmony” on the roads.

For those needing to cross from the Mainland to the Island, the Ministry advises using Ikorodu Road to connect to Eko Bridge and Outer Marina, as the race will heavily impact the Victoria Island and Lekki axes. With over 40 countries represented, the 2026 marathon is set to be the biggest yet but for the average Lagos driver, it’s a day to either join the run or stay off the road.