Kenyan First Lady Margaret Kenyatta took part in the 17th Kigali International Marathon, an event hosted in Rwanda and aligned with the country's post-genocide reconciliation efforts. The 10km segment of the race featured notable athletes, including British runner Mo Farah, while Kenyan competitors dominated full-marathon podiums.
Kenyans secured eight of 12 medals in the full marathon, with Wilfred Kirwa, Kibet Maiyo, and George Nyamori Onyancha claiming gold, silver, and bronze in the men's category. Female athletes Margaret Agai, Rebecca Korir, and Bernice Ruto also achieved podium finishes. Shadrack Kiminini and Doris Chepkoech won gold in the 21km race, while Rwandan Adeline Musabyeyezu and Burundian Nimbona Elvanie earned medals in the half marathon.
The Kigali International Peace Marathon, established in 2005, was created to promote healing after the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Kenyatta's involvement underscores her focus on using sports to advance social initiatives, including maternal health programs through her Beyond Zero foundation. Previous marathons in Nairobi and London have raised funds for mobile clinics across Kenya's 47 counties.
