Rwanda Athletics Federation has staked $23,200 in cash prizes for the winners of the fifth edition of the Kigali International Marathon due on May 24 in Kigali.

The winner in both the male and female categories (full marathon) will walk away with $2,000 while the first second runners up $1,500 and $1,200 respectively.

The fourth and fifth finishers will pocket $800 and $600.

The half marathon winner will pocket $1,600 while the first and second runners up $1,400 and $1,200 respectively. The fourth and fifth will pocket $800 and $500.

According to the organisers, this year’s event whose theme is ‘End violence against women and children’ will attract over 4000 runners from Africa, Europe, Asia and America.

The Kigali International Marathon which is fully supported by President Paul Kagame is sponsored by Ministry of Culture and Sport, Rwanda National Olympic Committee, ORTPN/RDB, UN, Soroptimist International.

Last year’s event was won by Kenyan trio of Jacob Kenfagor, Maisei Kiplimo and Micah Kipserem.

Kenfagor clocked 2:18: 06 while Kiplimo used 2:18:36 and Kipserem finished third clocking 2:21:58 respectively.

Felicien Sekanyama was the best Rwandan in the males’ Marathon category, arriving in a 7th position.

Kenyans were also impressive in the women’s full marathon, taking the first three slots with Risper Kimaiyo crossing the finishing line in 2:55:22. Lydia Rutto (2:55:27) and Jennifer Lotoyo (2:58:18) finished second and third respectively.

Tanzania’s Martin Sulle and Rwanda’s Angeline Nyiransabimana won the men and women’s half-marathon respectively ahead of Sammy Limo and Hellen Waithira of Kenya.

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