First Lady Margaret Kenyatta participated in the Kigali International Peace Marathon on Sunday, joining Rwandan First Lady Jeanette Kagame for the third consecutive year. Their collaboration began with the March 2016 Beyond Zero half marathon in Nairobi, according to the event report.
Kenyan athletes claimed eight of 12 medals across all categories, with Wilfred Kirwa, Kibet Maiyo, and George Nyamori Onyancha securing gold, silver, and bronze in the men's full marathon. Women's podiums featured Margaret Agai, Rebecca Korir, and Bernice Ruto, while Shadrack Kiminini and Doris Chepkoech won gold in the 21km race.
Launched in 2005 as an amateur event to foster reconciliation following Rwanda's 1994 genocide, the marathon has grown into a major East African athletics fixture. This year's edition received Association of International Marathons (AIM) certification, attracting competitors from 14 countries including Ethiopia, Canada, and the UK.
Full marathon winners earned Rwf4 million (Ksh453,000) for gold, with silver and bronze awards of Rwf2.5 million (Ksh283,000) and Rwf2 million (Ksh227,000). Half marathon gold medalists received Rwf2.5 million, with silver and bronze recipients taking Rwf2 million and Rwf1.5 million respectively.
The event featured dignitaries including Africa Athletics Confederation President Hammad Malboum and Djibouti Athletics Federation President Said Hassan. Kenyatta was accompanied by Chief of Staff Constance Gakonyo and Kenya's High Commissioner to Rwanda Philip Githiora.
