The 2026 Kigali International Peace Marathon, traditionally held over a single day, will for the first time take place across two days, from June 13–14, organisers have confirmed. The 21st edition of the athletics event comes at a time when Rwanda faces growing expectations to deliver strong performances on the international stage, following recent success at the ongoing African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra. Rwandan athlete Emeline Imanizabayo has already claimed two medals after impressive performances in the women’s 3000m and 5000m races, boosting optimism ahead of the Kigali event. The opening day of the marathon will feature amateur runners competing in the 10km Run for Peace, while elite athletes contesting the full marathon (42km) and half marathon (21km) will compete on the second day. Registration is already underway on the event's website (www.kigalimarathon.rw), with special corporate registration also available in the Run for Peace event category. In the previous edition, Kenyan athletes dominated the full marathon category, with Laban Korir reclaiming the men’s title and Teresiah Kwamboka winning the women’s race. However, Rwandan athletes excelled in the half marathon events. In the women’s half marathon, Florence Niyonkuru won gold after crossing the finish line in 1:13:57. Fellow Rwandan Adeline Musabyeyezu followed closely in 1:14:18 to secure silver, while Kenya’s Vivian Jepkoech finished third in 1:15:10. In the men’s half marathon, Kenya’s Derrick Njoroge claimed victory after clocking 1:05:23. Uganda’s Gilbert Kamutwire finished second in 1:07:02, while Rwanda’s Theophile Bigirimana secured bronze.
