This year’s Kigali International Peace Marathon set for May 24 will cost the organizers up to Rwf. 46 millions.

This was confirmed by the Sports and Culture Minister Joseph Habineza on Friday during at a press conference held at the Ministry’s headquarters located at Amahoro national stadium, Remera.

According to the Minister, the money will be used to facilitate all activities including cash prizes for the winners.

The event organizers, the local athletics federation have already secured Rwf. 44 millions from the government and hope to raise the other two millions before the event rolls off in six days time.

Meanwhile, the event has received sponsorship boosts from UNICEF worth $15,000 (Rwf.8.3m), Unfpa valued at $10,000(Rwf. 5.5m), Unifem $4,600 (Rwf.2.5m).

According to the organizers, part of the money will go into organizing a mini exposition and three concerts to raise awareness about peace in Rwanda and also sensitize the public on the dangers of violence against women and children.

ORTPN/RDB and Ecobank have each injected Rwf. 2 millions to this year’s event which has so far attracted 1747 runners from Africa, Europe and USA. However, MTN and Bralirwa have pledged support to the event.

The marathon is divided in to four categories; the full marathon (42km), half marathon (21km), 4*4 Relay marathon (15km) and run for fun (5km).

The winner of the full marathon both in the men and women’s category stands to bag $2,000 while the first and second runners-up will get $1,500 $1,200 respectively.

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