The Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF) is setting its sights on taking the Kigali International Peace Marathon to a new level after a successful 21st edition held on Sunday, June 14.

Having already secured World Athletics Global Elite Label status in 2024, the federation is now targeting an upgrade to the more prestigious Gold Label Status, a move that would make the marathon the second one in Africa to hold such status besides Sanlam Cape Town Marathon of South Africa.

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As part of preparations for the bid, RAF invited some of the world’s top marathon runners, including 10 Gold Label athletes—five men and five women—to strengthen the elite field and enhance the race’s competitiveness.

A source close to the federation told Times Sport that RAF invested more than $40,000 (approximately Rwf 58million) to facilitate the participation of the elite athletes as part of efforts to meet World Athletics standards required for the upgrade.

In this year’s event, Kenyan runners dominated the full marathon and rewrote the event’s record books. In the men’s race, Kephar Lumbasi stormed to victory in two hours, 14 minutes and 19 seconds, breaking the previous course record of 2:18:26.

The women’s race also witnessed a historic performance as Lvyne Jeruto crossed the finish line in two hours, 35 minutes and 35 seconds, eclipsing the former record of 2:37:12.

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According to World Athletics, races seeking Gold Label status must demonstrate high standards of organisation, attract a strong international elite field, comply fully with competition and technical regulations, maintain certified race courses and timing systems, ensure athlete welfare and safety, and uphold robust anti-doping measures.