Lagos is buzzing with anticipation as top figures in athletics, from influential policymakers to event coordinators and international experts, descend on Nigeria for the Africa Running Conference 2026.
Kicking off on Thursday at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, this assembly aims to revolutionize road running across the continent by fostering a sustainable, profitable, and internationally integrated path forward for the discipline.
Spanning two days, the conference begins with a technical deep-dive on February 12 before transitioning into its main plenary sessions and core debates on February 13
The Special Assistant on Media to the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Kola Daniel, in a statement given to Persecondnews on Thursday in Abuja, said the high-profile event serves as a prelude to the much-anticipated Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, set to take place on February 14, 2026.
International attendees and senior representatives from World Athletics started touching down in Lagos as early as Tuesday, where they were warmly received by Chief Solomon Ogba, who leads the Local Organising Committee.
Ogba voiced strong optimism about Nigeria’s capacity to deliver an exceptional gathering, stating, “Nigeria is proud to welcome distinguished guests from across Africa and the global athletics community.”
Held in partnership between World Athletics and Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC), the conference’s theme is “Reshaping Running and Mass Participation in Africa: Embracing the Global Community.”
It unites prominent figures in worldwide and African sports administration, financial sectors, and community engagement initiatives to explore ways to ensure enduring progress, fresh ideas, and the expansion of road running.
Among the notable speakers lined up are Olympic icon and ex-marathon record holder, Dr. Paul Tergat; Alessio Punzi, who oversees running at World Athletics; Fatma Abdal Amale from Kenya Athletics’ vice presidency; and Jackson Tuwei, serving as World Athletics vice president and head of Athletics Kenya.
Ogba highlighted the event’s significance, adding, “This conference is a major step toward repositioning road running on the continent.”
Reflecting on the backing received so far, Ogba noted: “We are grateful to the leadership of the National Sports Commission for their unwavering support and commitment to elevating Nigerian sports to global standards.”
Additional key presenters include Hon. Bukola Olopade, the NSC’s Director General; Roosevelt Ogbonna, who leads Access Bank Plc as Managing Director and CEO; Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emienim at the helm of Premium Trust Bank Plc.
Others include Tayo Popoola, overseeing the Lagos Marathon as General Coordinator; Nadeem Khan, president of the International Association of Ultra Runners; and Chris Robb, the founder and CEO of both RunThrough and Mass Participation World.
The programme also features specialized workshops, expert-led panels, and collaborative exchanges designed to bolster event management, boost community involvement at the base level, and synchronize African road running with leading international standards.
With participants from various African nations and further afield already in attendance, the conference is poised to become a pivotal forum for advancing the sport’s evolution on the continent.
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