Kenyan athletes dominate Kigali International Peace Marathon

Former Toronto Marathon champion Laban Korir and rising star Joan Kipyatich spearheaded a Kenyan sweep at the Kigali International Peace Marathon in Rwanda on Sunday.

Korir, leveraging his extensive experience in marathon running, clinched victory in the men's race with a time of 2:16.06. He was followed closely by fellow Kenyans Cornelius Kiplagat (2:16.18) and Moses Mengich (2:18.38), who took second and third place, respectively. Micah Chemweno (2:18.46) ensured that Kenyans occupied the top four spots.

In the women's race, Kipyatich emerged victorious with a time of 2:33.47. Ethiopia's Abebayehu Meseret secured second place with a time of 2:36.08, while two-time Chicago Marathon champion Florence Kiplagat of Kenya finished third in 2:39.34.

Top three winners in women half marathon category of the #Kigalimarathon2024 Global elite label

🥇Winfridah Moraa 🇰🇪
🥈Vivian Jepkogei 🇰🇪
🥉Imanizabayo Emeline 🇷🇼

Congratulations Emeline for representing Rwanda well in this marathon pic.twitter.com/8ZUG31NvW6

— Kigali Peace Marathon (@KigaliMarathon) June 9, 2024

Reflecting on his win, Korir shared, “It has been a while since I won a race. This is good for me,” noting that his last victory was the 2014 Toronto Marathon, where he clocked 2:08.15.

Selected Results

Men

1. Laban Korir (KEN) 2:16.06
2. Cornelius Kiplagat (KEN) 2:16.18
3. Moses Mengich (KEN) 2:18.38
4. Micah Chemweno (KEN) 2:18.46
5. Noel Hitimana (RWA) 2:19.01
6. Alexis Nizeymana (RWA) 2:19.30
7. Jonathan Akankwasa (UGA) 2:20.05
8. Kipkemoi Kipsang (KEN) 2:20.41

Women

1. Joan Kipyatich (KEN) 2:33.47
2. Abebayehu Meseret (ETH) 2:36.08
3. Florence Kiplagat (KEN) 2:39.34
4. Degefa Beyenu (ETH) 2:43.26
5. Sheila Chepkech (KEN) 2:43.32
6. Ayele Gebaynesh (ETH) 2:45.49
7. Lilian Jebitok (KEN) 2:46.42
8. Birhanu Bero (ETH) 2:48.12