First Lady Margaret Kenyatta joined the Kigali International Peace Marathon on Sunday, marking her third collaborative event with Rwandan First Lady Jeanette Kagame since 2016. The race, held in commemoration of Rwanda's Liberation Day, featured elite athletes from 12 countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, and the UK.
Kenyans claimed dominance in the full marathon, with Wilfred Kirwa, Kibet Maiyo, and George Nyamori Onyancha winning gold, silver, and bronze in the men's 42km category. Women's podiums were swept by Margaret Agai, Rebecca Korir, and Bernice Ruto. Shadrack Kiminini and Doris Chepkoech secured gold in the 21km segment.
The 2005-founded marathon, established to promote post-genocide reconciliation following the 1994 Rwandan genocide, received international recognition this year through Association of International Marathons (AIM) certification. Prize money totaled Rwf 4 million for full marathon gold medalists, with smaller amounts for other categories.
Kenyan athletes also excelled in the half marathon, with Rwandan Adeline Musabyeyezu and Burundian Nimbona Elvanie earning bronze and silver. Ugandan Gilbert Kampire and Rwandan Robert Kajuga claimed silver and bronze in the men's half marathon.
The event, attended by dignitaries including Africa Athletics Confederation President Hammad Malboum, featured British legend Mo Farah. Kenyatta's participation followed her 2016 collaboration with Kagame at Nairobi's Beyond Zero half marathon, part of her global athletic engagements since 2016.
