The local athletics federation has named a strong 12-man squad for the 5th edition of the Kigali International Peace marathon set for May 24. According to the national team head coach Emmanuel Murenzi, the squad is led by national icon Dieudonne Disi.

Disi, 28 will be joined by Sylvain Rukundo, Philip Mugwiza, Gervais Hakizimana and Jean Baptist Mugwiza in the half marathon.

The women runners for the half marathon include; Claudette Mukasakindi and Genessi Nyirahabimana.

The full marathon squad includes; Felix Ntirenganya, Fred Twahirwa and Eric Mpazimpaka (men) while Mediatrice Nyirarangwa and Epiphanie Nyirabarame make up the women team.

The Kigali International Marathon, which is fully supported by President Paul Kagame, has attracted sponsorship from the Ministry of Culture and Sport, Rwanda National Olympic Committee, ORTPN/RDB, UNICEF, Soroptimist International and Ecobank.

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 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.

This year’s 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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