3,500 Athletes for Kigali Peace Marathon

Over 3,500 athletes from across the world are expected to take part in the 10th edition of the Kigali Peace Marathon scheduled for May 23-24. 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. The Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF) technical director, John Peter Ndacyayisenga, who is also the managing director of the marathon said, “The Kigali Peace Marathon was started under the patronage of President Paul Kagame in honour of the people who lost their lives during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It helps to spread peace all over the world through the participants who take part.” There will be 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. Ndacyayisenga has urged Rwandans to embrace this event as a way of respecting and paying tribute to the people who lost their lives 21 years ago. The participation fee is Rwf2000 and can be paid at the RAF headquarters at the Amahoro stadium. Kenya’s Biwot Kipkorir won last year’s edition. Jean Damascene Mugabo was the best-placed Rwandan athlete finishing 10th.