MTN Rwanda will sponsor this year’s Peace Marathon slated for May 24 to a tune of Rwf53 million. 

The annual event, which is running for the 11th time, is organised to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi through peace and reconciliation.

Started as a way to use sports in healing and reconciliation process after the tragic 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, this year’s edition will attract athletes from within the country, neighbouring countries like Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and as far as Europe and USA.

MTN Chief Marketing officer Yvonne Makolo said the telecom company is thrilled to collaborate with the National Athletics Federation once again by supporting one of Rwanda’s pre-eminent sporting events.

"It is fantastic to see it grow year on year not only as a great community event but an international one as well. The race very clearly resonates with MTN’s commitment of making our customers’ lives a whole lot brighter as we are able to not only contribute to our local community, but also contribute to the growth of sport in Rwanda,” Makolo said.

The event will include the full marathon of 42km, half marathon of 21km and a family run of 5km with all categories starting and ending at Amahoro stadium.

The 21km run will start from Amahoro stadium via Chez Lando, Gishushu, MTN centre Nyarutarama, Gacuriro village and back to Gishushu, Parliament, Umubano hotel and then turn back to Gishushu, Gisementi, Tigo, University of Rwanda (former KIE), Control Technique, Sports view and back to Amahoro stadium while the 42km will be twice this route.

The Family run which is 5km will start from the Amahoro stadium via Tigo, University of Rwanda (former KIE), Control Technique, Sports view hotel and then back to the stadium.

Athletes from Kenya dominated last year’s event with Biwot Kipkorir winning the men’s category as country-mates Jacob Kiplagat and Barnabas Kiptum came second and third respectively.

Jean Damascene Mugabo was the best-placed Rwandan athlete finishing 10th.

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