Joseph Peter has described his participation in the 2026 Lagos City Marathon as a defining moment in his long-distance running journey, successfully completing the 42km race after falling short on his debut appearance.
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Speaking to Sports 247 after the race, Peter explained that this year’s event marked his second attempt at the marathon, having been forced to withdraw at the 38-kilometre mark during his first outing due to severe cramps. “This is actually my second time,” he said. “The first time, I didn’t complete the marathon. I gave up at 38 kilometres because I was cramping and my legs couldn’t go anymore, so I had to respect my body.”
Determined to avoid a repeat, Peter revealed that he approached the 2026 edition with a stronger mental resolve. “I came with a different mindset this year,” he noted. “I told myself that no matter how my body was going to cramp or how I was going to feel, I would complete the race by fire, by force, and I proudly did.”
Peter crossed the finish line with a gun time of three hours and 53 minutes, which he described as his first official personal best at the event. Reflecting on the performance, he expressed optimism about returning in 2027 with improved targets. “Next year, 42 kilometres, we go again,” he said. “I want to beat my time. I’m thinking of doing around three hours, 30 minutes to three hours, 45 minutes.”
The marathon runner also spoke on what inspired him to take up long-distance running, citing his passion for sports and the need for a more demanding challenge. “I love sports a lot, but I needed something more intense, something that would give me more endurance,” Peter explained. “Long distance is about discipline, grit, and how you can push yourself. It has helped me go beyond my pace and beyond my mindset, and I’m loving it.”
Peter concluded by encouraging Nigerians to remain consistent in their fitness journeys, stressing that progress comes with patience and persistence. “When I started, I couldn’t go from one kilometre to three kilometres,” he recalled. “But now, I can do 20, 21, even 25 kilometres. You just have to keep going, push yourself, and be consistent. Once you are consistent, the sky is your limit.”
