Rwandan athletics stars Florence Niyonkuru and Emeline Imanizabayo have been left out of the national squad for the upcoming 2026 Kigali International Peace Marathon scheduled for June 13–14. According to Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF) Technical Director Peter Ndacyayisenga, the two athletes withdrew from the competition in order to focus on preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, set to take place from July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland. ALSO READ: Muhitira returns to national team after five-year suspension “Both athletes were not selected because they have already begun an intensive two-month preparation programme targeting a possible historic medal at the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games,” Ndacyayisenga explained. Niyonkuru’s absence means she will not defend the women’s half-marathon title she won during the 2025 edition of the Kigali International Peace Marathon. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s Niyonkuru wins gold in Bengaluru There were also high expectations surrounding Imanizabayo, who has enjoyed an impressive 2026 season on the track, winning several medals, including two gold medals at the African Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana. The 2026 Kigali International Peace Marathon is expected to once again attract elite runners from across the world competing in the men’s and women’s full marathon, half-marathon, and Run for Peace categories during the two-day event in Kigali. Final 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.
