Kenyan athletes dominated the 2024 Kigali Peace Marathon.
Rwandan runners showed significant improvements and secured medals.
Financial rewards were substantial for top marathon performers.
The marathon symbolizes Rwanda’s resilience and commitment to peace.
The 2024 Kigali International Peace Marathon (KIPM) showcased remarkable athletic prowess, with Rwandan runners making significant strides despite Kenyan dominance. The event, now in its 19th edition, attracted over 10,000 athletes from 35 countries, offering a platform for intense competition and a celebration of resilience and peace.
Kenyan Runners Dominate the Podium
Kenyan athletes once again demonstrated their supremacy in long-distance running, capturing nine out of twelve possible medals. This impressive feat was just one medal short of their haul from the previous year. Kenyan runners, renowned for their endurance and speed, showcased their talents in both the half and full marathon categories.
In the men’s half marathon, Francis Langat claimed the gold medal with a time of 1:04:05, closely followed by his brother, Leonard Langat, who secured silver at 1:04:24. Emmanuel Mutabazi of Rwanda earned the bronze, finishing at 1:04:27, marking a significant achievement for the host nation.
The women’s half marathon saw another Kenyan triumph with Winfridah Moraa Moseti winning gold in 1:12:50. Vivian Cheruiyot took silver at 1:14:01, while Rwanda’s Emeline Imanizabayo captured bronze with a time of 1:14:20. Moseti’s victory marked her second consecutive win in this category, reinforcing her dominance.
Rwandan Athletes Make Their Mark
This year’s marathon highlighted significant improvements from Rwandan athletes, a promising sign for the future of the nation’s long-distance running. Seven Rwandan runners finished in the top ten of the half marathon categories, and two made it to the top ten in the men’s full marathon.
In the men’s half marathon, aside from Mutabazi’s bronze, Felicien Muhitira finished fifth, and Victor Ingabire took the tenth spot. In the women’s half marathon, Jeanne Gentille finished fourth, with Florance Niyonkuru and Angelique Ibishatse securing sixth and eighth places, respectively.
The men’s full marathon saw Noel Hitimana finishing fifth, trailing Kenyan gold medalist Laban Korir who clocked 2:16:06. Alexis Nizeyimana followed closely, finishing sixth. However, Rwandan female athletes did not make it to the top ten in the women’s full marathon, a category dominated by Kenyan Joan Kipyatich with a time of 2:33:27.
Financial Rewards and Recognition
The marathon not only provided a platform for athletic competition but also offered substantial financial rewards. Winners of the full marathon in both the men’s and women’s categories received $20,000, while second and third-place finishers were awarded $15,000 and $7,500, respectively. The fourth to eighth-place finishers received between $5,000 and $1,000, ensuring broad recognition of top performers.
In the half marathon, winners took home $5,000, with second and third-place finishers earning $4,000 and $3,000. Financial incentives extended to eighth place, demonstrating the event’s commitment to rewarding athletic excellence.
Symbolism of the Kigali International Peace Marathon
The Kigali International Peace Marathon, organized annually by the Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF) in partnership with the Ministry of Sports, is more than just a sporting event. It symbolizes Rwanda’s resilience and rebirth following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Since its inception in 2005, the marathon has promoted peace and unity, reflecting the nation’s journey towards healing and reconciliation.
Moments from the Marathon
Kenyan runners dominated the podium, capturing nine out of twelve medals in various marathon categories.
Rwandan athlete Emmanuel Mutabazi secured bronze in the men’s half marathon with a time of 1:04:27.
Emeline Imanizabayo from Rwanda earned a bronze medal in the women’s half marathon, clocking 1:14:20.
Financial rewards for top performers ranged from $20,000 for winners to $1,000 for eighth place.
