Kenyans conquered the 20th edition of the International Peace Marathon held on 8th June 8, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda, with Laban Kipngetich Korir defending his title in the men’s full marathon.
Korir triumphed in the 42.1 km race, reclaiming the crown at the 20th edition of this event. The marathon, known for its challenging hilly course through Rwanda’s “city of a thousand hills,” attracted runners from across the globe, promoting peace and unity.
Korir, who has experience in running the 42km distance, clocked 2:16.06, to win the race ahead of compatriots Cornelius Kiplagat (2:16.18) and Moses Mengich (2:18.38), who finished second and third, respectively.
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“It has been a while since I won a race. This is good for me,” Korir said. He won the 2014 Toronto Marathon, timing 2:08.15.
Kipyatich won the women’s race in 2:33.47 with Ethiopia’s Abebayehu Meseret taking second place in 2:36.08. Two-time Chicago Marathon champion Florence Kiplagat completed the podium in 2:39.34.
Njoroge Derrick Chege’s gold medal win in the men’s half marathon at the 2025 Kigali International Peace Marathon with a time of 1:05:23 further highlighted Kenya’s dominance in long-distance running.
Against the backdrop of Rwanda’s remarkable journey of reconciliation and progress following the tragic events of 1994, the marathon serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
The course, starting and ending at BK Arena, is AIMS-certified, with the full marathon covering two loops of 21.1 km and the half marathon covering one.
Rwanda’s hilly terrain, combined with an altitude of approximately 1,700 meters, makes this a uniquely challenging race, as noted in runner reviews from past years.
The event also included a 10 km Fun Run for Peace, open to wheelchairs, emphasising inclusivity and the marathon’s peace-focused mission, launched in 2005 to foster unity post the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
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Kenya’s Langat Francis won the men’s half-marathon, while his compatriot Moseti Winfrida triumphed in the women’s half-marathon.
Five Kenyans emerged among the top eight runners in the men’s full marathon that also included two Rwandans and one Ugandan.
Four Kenyan athletes also emerged among the top eight runners in the women’s full marathon, along with four Ethiopians.
This year’s Kigali marathon attracted more than 10,000 participants from 35 countries and regions, where over 3,600 took part in the half-marathon, over 1,140 in the full marathon, and over 5,450 in the run for peace, according to organizers.
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