Rwandan long-distance runner Emeline Imanizabayo claimed gold at the Dutch National Championships in Utrecht on Saturday, winning the women’s 5,000m race in dominant fashion.

She outpaced a strong international field to secure victory, crossing the finish line in 15:07. Finland’s Ilona Mononen took second place in 15:10, while Kenya’s Maurine Jepkoech Chebor finished third in 15:15.

Imanizabayo’s winning pace of 3:02 per kilometer underscored her control of the race and reinforced her rising profile on the international athletics scene.

The victory adds to a growing list of achievements by Rwandan athletes competing abroad. Among them is Florence Niyonkuru, who won gold in the women’s half marathon at the 40th Lion Races in France in September 2025.

She wil now turn focus on winning at home during the forthcoming Kigali International Peace Marathon which will take place in June.