WORLD VISION RWANDA has injected a sponsorship package worth Rwf 5m in the 2014 MTN Kigali Peace Marathon set for Sunday starting at Stade Amahoro in Remera.

George Gitau, World Vision Rwanda country director announced the package mid this week at a news briefing in Kacyiru. He said that the organisation took the initiative to support the Peace Marathon because it’s in their mandate to promote peace all over the world.

"We have been sponsoring the event for the last three years, because we find it to be a strategic way of promoting peace in Rwanda,”

"Rwanda has come from far and with an event like this, we are able to look forward to the future. As we speak about Vision 2020 it can only be achieved when there is peace.  Our theme this year is ‘We are running together in the new world, to build peace and to save the lives of our children.”

The Rwanda Athletics Federation chairman Damascene Nkezabo appreciated the support, adding that it will enhance the success of the event.

"We are grateful to World Vision’s support because it will contribute to the effective organisation of the marathon,” added Nkezabo.

By press time, 1100 athletes from hosts Rwanda, America, Europe and other countries like Eritrea, Kenya, Burundi and Uganda had registered to take part in the event.

More entries are expected to hit the 1500-mark by Saturday evening, which is the final registration deadline.

The winner will receive Rwf 1.2 m, the second Rwf 1m and the third Rwf 800,000. The prizes are based on the international standards recommended by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).

For the disabled, the best three athletes will share Rwf 1m, and this will include those competing on wheelchairs in the five km race.

Proceeds from this year’s registration fees will go to Rwanda Demobilisation and Re-integration Commission to support its activities.

This year’s theme is ‘In the new world, we run together’.