France-based long-distance runner Felicien Muhitira has returned to Rwanda’s national athletics team after nearly five years away from international duty. Muhitira is part of the Rwandan squad set to compete in the 2026 Kigali International Peace Marathon, scheduled for June 13–14. The 32-year-old athlete was suspended in June 2021 after leaving the national team’s training camp ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Also named in the final squad are star runner Yves Nimubona, who is currently training in Italy, and Victor Ingabire, who is preparing in Kenya. The team was selected during national trials held in Gahanga on Saturday, May 16. Muhitira is one of three athletes selected for the men’s full marathon (42km), alongside Noel Hitimana and Primier Manirafasha. Meanwhile, reigning women’s half marathon champion Florence Niyonkuru and Emeline Imanizabayo — who recently won two gold medals at the African Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana — were surprisingly omitted from the 14-athlete squad. This year’s Kigali International Peace Marathon will, for the first time, be held over two days. The opening day will feature amateur runners competing in the 10km Run for Peace, while elite athletes in the full marathon and half marathon events will compete on the second day. Full squad Half Marathon Men: Nizeyimana, Emmanuel Nkurunziza, Nzayisenga, Pacifique Niwentwari, Ismael Ntivuguruzwa, Victor Ingabire and Yves Nimubona. Women: Devotha Byukusenge, Thabita Tuyambaze, Theogene Uwiduhaye and Angelique Ibishatse. Full marathon Men: Felicien Muhitira, Primier Manirafasha and Noel Hitimana.
