Kigali International Peace Marathon 2024 bronze medalist Emmanuel Mutabazi believes that Rwandan athletes have what it takes to hit the podium at similar events with dedication and support from relevant authorities.
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The Police Athletics Club runner struck bronze at Sunday’s Kigali Peace Marathon after he finished the race in 1:04:27, just 22 seconds behind Kenyan gold medalist Francis Langat.
Speaking to Times Sport after the race, Mutabazi expressed his satisfaction and optimism about the future of Rwandan athletics.
"I’m more than happy with what I have achieved today but, most importantly, I’m proud of how we (Rwandans) performed today,” he said in an interview.
"We have struggled in previous edition, failing to win any medals, but today we secured two bronze medals. It’s a good start.”
"With our hard work and support from the relevant authorities, we can win this race and others of its caliber. Today’s performance shows that nothing is impossible,” he added.
Emeline Imanizabayo, who plays for Rulindo-based Sina Gerard Athletics Club, could also pick only positives from Sunday’s performance after striking bronze in the women’s half marathon which was won by Winfridah Moraa Moseti.
Commenting Rwandans’ performance at this year’s Peace Marathon edition, Imanizabayo said, "I can’t explain this feeling. Competing against such high-level athletes and securing a bronze is massive for me.”
"I have been training for this race for months, and today it has paid off. We still have a long way to go, but today’s results are encouraging.”
Both Mutabazi and Imanizabayo received $3,000 (over Rwf3,900,000) each for their achievements.
In addition to the bronze medalists, several other Rwandans managed to impress at the Peace Marathon which was again dominated by Kenyans, bagged nine medals out 12 which were up for grabs.
Jeanne Gentille finished fourth in the women’s half marathon, while Florance Niyonkuru and Angelique Ibishatse placed sixth and eighth, respectively. In the men’s half marathon, Felicien Muhitira finished fifth, and Victor Ingabire emerged 10th.
In the men’s full marathon, Noel Hitimana finished fifth, two minutes and 55 seconds behind Kenyan gold medalist Laban Korir, who clocked 2:16:06. Alexis Nizeyimana finished sixth.
The 19th edition of the Kigali International Peace Marathon attracted 10,183 athletes from 35 countries. Kenyan runners dominated, winning nine out of the twelve medals available, just one short of their tally in the 2023 edition.
The marathon attracted a total of 10,183 athletes from 35 countries, with half of the participants taking on the 10km Run for Peace race.
Notable attendees in the Run for Peace category included government officials and celebrities from different sectors.
City Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva, Sports Minister Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, Miss Rwanda 2012 Aurore Mutesi Kayibanda, and Frank Habineza, a parliamentarian and presidential candidate for July elections were among public figures that participated in the running race.