Kenyan athletes delivered a dominant performance at the 21st Kigali International Peace Marathon, winning the men’s and women’s Full Marathon titles as well as the men’s Half Marathon. Rwandan runners, however, impressed in the women’s Half Marathon, sweeping the podium.
The elite races were held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, marking the second and final day of the two-day event, which featured Full and Half Marathon competitions for both men and women.
In the men’s Full Marathon (42km), Kenya’s Kephar Namutala claimed victory in 2:14:19, setting a new course record and breaking the previous mark of 2:14:56 set in 2012 by fellow Kenyan Kibet Paul Kosgei.
The women’s Full Marathon was won by Kenya’s Ivyne Jeruto in 2:35:35, also setting a new course record in the category.
In the Half Marathon (22km), Kenya’s Amos Kirui took the men’s title in 1:04:16, securing another gold for Kenya in the 2026 edition.
Rwanda’s Angelique Ibishatse led the home challenge by winning the women’s Half Marathon in 1:13:30, ahead of compatriots Belthilde Mutuyimana (1:13:54) and Thabita Tuyambaze (1:14:06), completing a Rwandan podium sweep.
All races started and finished at Amahoro Stadium in Remera. Half Marathon athletes completed one loop of the city circuit, while Full Marathon runners completed two.
The course passed through key Kigali routes including Chez Lando, Gishushu (RDB), Nyarutarama, MTN Centre, Akabuga ka Nyarutarama, KCC, University of Kigali, Kacyiru, MINAGRI, the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence, Kimihurura, Kigali Heights, and BK Arena.
A total of 518 elite athletes competed in the Full Marathon, while 2,942 participants took part in the Half Marathon. The event also featured the “Run for Peace” recreational race held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, marking the first time the marathon was staged over two days.
Organised by the Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF) in partnership with the Ministry of Sports and other stakeholders, the event attracted athletes from 65 countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and South Sudan.
