Rwanda’s Niyonkuru claims half marathon gold as Kenya’s Korir reclaims Kigali marathon crown
Kenya dominated the full marathon categories, with Laban Korir reclaiming the men’s title in 2:18:26.
Rwanda’s Florence Niyonkuru clinched gold in the women’s half marathon at the 20th edition of the Kigali International Peace Marathon, held on Sunday, June 8, in Kigali, leading a dominant Rwandan performance that saw seven local athletes finish in the top eight.
Niyonkuru crossed the finish line in 1 hour, 13 minutes, and 57 seconds.
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Fellow Rwandan Adeline Musabyeyezu followed closely with 1:14:18 to claim silver, while Kenya’s Vivian Jepkoech finished third with a time of 1:15:10.
In the men’s half marathon, Kenya’s Derrick Njoroge took first place after clocking 1:05:23. Uganda’s Gilbert Kamutwire secured second place in 1:07:02, while Rwanda’s Theophile Bigirimana earned bronze in 1:07:34.
Three other Rwandans: Emmanuel Nkurunziza, Jean Claude Nsabimana, and Slyvain Nizeyimana, also finished in the top eight, winding up the race in fifth, sixth, and eighth position, respectively.
Kenya dominated the full marathon categories, with Laban Korir reclaiming the men’s title in 2:18:26. His compatriot Kipkirui Langat finished second in 2:19:00, followed by Ethiopia’s Tadese Memo Temechachu in 2:21:01.
Alexis Nizeyimana of Nyaruguru Athletics Club was the only Rwandan to feature among the top eight in the men’s full marathon, finishing fifth with a time of 2:23:01. Six of the top eight positions in this category were taken by Kenyan athletes.
In the women’s full marathon, Kenya’s Teresiah Kwamboka emerged champion, clocking 2:37:12. Ethiopia’s Kebene Chala finished second in 2:37:29, while Kenya’s Ivyne Langat came third with 2:38:14. Rwanda did not have any athletes represented in the women’s full marathon.
All races: the full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.097 km), and the 10km “Run for Peace,” started and finished at Amahoro Stadium.
The event’s 20th edition was held under the theme: “Bring the world to Kigali and take Kigali to the world.”
The competition attracted elite runners and amateur participants from across the region. Winners of the full marathon took home $20,000 (approximately Rwf 26 million), while the second- and third-place finishers received $15,000 (about Rwf 19.5 million) and $7,500 (roughly Rwf9.75 million) respectively.
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