Kigali Peace Marathon: Rwanda’s Niyonkuru claims half marathon gold as Kenya’s Korir defends title

Korir crossed the finish line at Amahoro Stadium in a time of 2 hours, 18 minutes, and 26 seconds, narrowly ahead of compatriot Kipkirui Langat (2:19:00). Ethiopia’s Tadese Memo Temechachu rounded out the podium with a time of 2:21:01.

Rwanda’s Alexis Nizeyimana, representing Nyaruguru Athletics Club, finished fifth (2:23:01), the only Rwandan in the top eight of the men’s full marathon, which was otherwise dominated by Kenyan runners.

In the women’s full marathon, Teresia Omosa stormed to victory in 2:37:12, narrowly edging out Ethiopia’s Kebene Chala (2:37:29). Kenya’s Ivyne Langat followed in third at 2:38:14.

Meanwhile, the half marathon saw Rwanda shine on home soil. Florence Niyonkuru thrilled local fans by winning the women’s half marathon in 1:13:57, leading a commanding Rwandan performance that placed seven local runners in the top eight. Adeline Musabyeyezu secured silver (1:14:18), and Kenya’s Vivian Jepkoech took bronze (1:15:10).

In the men’s half marathon, Kenya’s Derrick Njoroge took gold with 1:05:23, followed by Uganda’s Gilbert Kamutwire (1:07:02) and Rwanda’s Theophile Bigirimana (1:07:34). Rwandan runners Emmanuel Nkurunziza, Jean Claude Nsabimana, and Slyvain Nizeyimana also cracked the top eight.

All races—full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.097 km), and the 10km “Run for Peace”—began and ended at Amahoro Stadium, drawing elite athletes and recreational runners alike from across the region.

This year’s edition of the marathon was held under the theme “Bring the world to Kigali and take Kigali to the world.”

The top winners in the full marathon walked away with $20,000 (about Frw 28 million), while second and third place finishers earned $15,000 (Frw 21 million) and $7,500 (Frw 10 million), respectively.

Kenyan athletes dominated in the lead at the 20th edition of the Kigali International Peace Marathon, with Laban Korir defending his men’s full marathon title and Teresia Kwamboka Omosa clinching gold in the women’s race on Sunday, June 8.

Korir crossed the finish line at Amahoro Stadium in a time of 2 hours, 18 minutes, and 26 seconds, narrowly ahead of compatriot Kipkirui Langat (2:19:00).

Kenya’s Teresia Kwamboka Omosa clinching gold in the women’s race.

Florence Niyonkuru thrilled local fans by winning the women’s half marathon in 1:13:57, leading a commanding Rwandan performance that placed seven local runners in the top eight.

This year’s edition of the marathon was held under the theme “Bring the world to Kigali and take Kigali to the world.”