Lagos will, on 11 January 2026, host the maiden edition of the Lagos Gran Fondo “EKO 170,” a 170-kilometre mass participation cycling challenge designed to promote sports tourism, healthy living, and sustainable mobility in the state.
The event, endorsed by the Lagos State Government, is positioned to showcase the city’s growing infrastructure, coastal attractions, and vibrant cultural energy, while advancing the administration’s six strategic development pillars: Traffic Management and Transportation; Health and Environment; Education and Technology; a 21st Century Economy; Entertainment and Tourism; and Security and Governance.
More than 1,000 cyclists, including elite riders and amateur enthusiasts from Nigeria and abroad, are expected at the inaugural edition, which organisers say will highlight Lagos’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and world-class event hosting.
Speaking on the launch, the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu, described EKO 170 as a major milestone for the state.
“This event underscores our readiness to host world-class experiences that inspire healthier lifestyles and reinforce Lagos’s reputation as Africa’s model megacity,” he said.
The 170-kilometre route will start and finish at Eko Atlantic City, covering Victoria Island, the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, and the Lekki–Epe Expressway to Epe before looping back for a grand finish. Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Transportation and LASTMA, the route is designed to ensure maximum safety and minimal traffic disruption.
Also speaking on the broader impact of the competition, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the event reflects Lagos’s rising global appeal.
“The Cycling Challenge is a reminder of Lagos’s boundless potential as a global sports tourism destination. This event blends our city’s coastal beauty, world-class infrastructure, and vibrant cultural energy into an experience that will attract visitors, empower local communities, and inspire healthier lifestyles,” she said.
Beyond race day, EKO 170 is expected to strengthen Lagos’s tourism ecosystem by supporting small businesses, fostering community engagement, and driving youth development through cycling clinics. A Lagos Cycling Development Fund and a tree-planting campaign targeting 2,500 trees are also part of the event’s long-term legacy plans.
In partnership with the Ministry of Environment, LAWMA, and the Office of Sustainable Development Goals, organisers have set a goal of achieving a zero-waste, carbon-neutral event through recycling initiatives, biodegradable materials, and reusable containers.
Described as a celebration of resilience, innovation, and the Lagos spirit, EKO 170 is backed by the Lagos State Government and supported by private-sector partners. Residents and cycling enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in what organisers call a historic movement for a healthier and more sustainable future.
Registration is ongoing via eko170.com, where cyclists, sponsors, and volunteers can sign up.
