When the final runner crossed the finish line at the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon (ABLCM), the cheers faded—but for hundreds of workers across Lagos, the real work was just beginning.
From major highway closures to the coordinated surge of tens of thousands of runners, the marathon required meticulous planning. Water stations, energy drinks, medical sachets, barricades, banners, and timing systems lined the route, ensuring safety, organisation, and accurate performance tracking from start to finish. Yet, much of this intricate preparation happens behind the scenes—and it’s this hidden workforce that makes the marathon possible.
Sanitation and Sustainability: The Unseen Champions
Minutes after the race ended, sanitation teams fanned out along the marathon corridor. Their work went beyond sweeping. Plastic bottles were sorted for recycling, sachets collected in bulk, and waste evacuated by collection trucks along predefined routes. Temporary infrastructure was dismantled with precision, reflecting the operational discipline of municipal authorities, environmental agencies, private partners, and event coordinators.
In a megacity like Lagos, speed is essential. The ability to restore order quickly after an event of this scale demonstrates institutional efficiency and a commitment to sustainability. Large-scale sporting events today are judged not just by participation numbers or prize purses but also by environmental responsibility and operational excellence. The 2026 marathon provided a compelling example of this evolution.
Economic and Social Impact
The post-event clean-up also created tangible economic opportunities. Temporary employment was provided for sanitation workers, logistics personnel, and recycling partners. Waste collection and material recovery reinforced circular economy value chains, showing that modern urban waste management is more than routine—it’s a structured, high-impact sector.
Effective marathon planning requires more than on-the-day coordination. Route mapping, waste volume projections, sponsor and municipal collaboration, contingency planning, and clear communication protocols are essential to ensure smooth post-event recovery. Over the years, lessons learned from past editions have strengthened accreditation standards, expanded international participation, and embedded environmental management as a core operational pillar.
Beyond Athletic Achievement
The 2026 ABLCM is more than a test of endurance for runners. It’s a case study in coordination, sustainability, and the value of unseen workers—from sanitation teams and volunteers to security officials and event planners—whose diligence ensures the city keeps moving long after the cheering ends.
In global cities, success is measured not just by the spectacle itself but by how efficiently order is restored. On marathon day in Lagos, the runners showcased endurance on the streets, while the hidden workforce demonstrated discipline, innovation, and sustainability behind the scenes.
The 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon reminds us that in the race for global recognition, it’s often the invisible systems and people that define success.