KIPM 2026: Kenya and Rwanda dominates Kigali International Peace Marathon (Photos)

Thousands of runners from across Africa and beyond converged in Kigali for the 21st edition of the Kigali International Peace Marathon (KIPM), one of East Africa’s premier road racing events.

Featuring the Full Marathon (42.2km) and Half Marathon (21.1km), the race attracted elite athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Turkey, and other nations.

Kenya once again stamped its outstanding performance on the Full Marathon events as they did recently.

In the men's race, Kephar Lumbasi Namutala produced a commanding performance to win the Gold medal in 2:14:19.

Fellow Kenyan Shadrack Kimining finished second with Silver medal in 2:15:18, while Benard Kipkorir secured third with Bronze medal in 2:16:22 to complete an all-Kenyan podium. 

Rwanda’s Fidel Ntirenganya was the highest-placed local athlete, finishing seventh overall in 2:18:17.

The women’s Full Marathon title also went to Kenya through Ivyne Jeruto Jeruto, who crossed the finish line in 2:35:35.

Ethiopia claimed the remaining podium places with Tegest Ayalew Ymer (2:36:15) and Tsega Desta Mehari (2:36:54) finishing second and third respectively.

The Half Marathon races delivered some of the most exciting competition of the day.

Kenya’s Amos Kirui claimed victory in the men’s event with a time of 1:04:16, narrowly holding off Uganda’s Oscar Kibet, who finished just four seconds behind. 

Kenya’s Zakariah Kirika Gacugu completed the podium in third place.

Rwanda impressed in the men’s half marathon, placing three athletes inside the top ten.

Jamal Kipron Kipkosgei led the home challenge in seventh position, followed by John Hakizimana in eighth and Victor Ingabire in ninth.

The biggest celebration for the host nation came in the women’s Half Marathon, where Rwanda produced a historic clean sweep of the podium.

Ibishatse Angelique delivered a sensational run to win the race in 1:13:29, ahead of compatriots Berthilde Mutuyimana (1:13:53) and Tuyambaze Thabita (1:14:05).

Rwanda further demonstrated its growing depth by placing five athletes among the top ten finishers.

The results highlighted the continued dominance of Kenyan athletes in the marathon disciplines while underlining Rwanda’s remarkable progress in middle and long-distance running.

Rwanda’s women stole the spotlight with a memorable podium sweep, while strong performances across the half marathon categories reflected the country's growing competitiveness on the regional stage.

The 2026 Kigali International Peace Marathon showcased has positioned as one of Africa’s most respected road races.

Photos

Ibishatse Angelique delivered a sensational run to win the race in 1:13:29

Kenya’s Amos Kirui claimed victory in the men’s half marathon with a time of 1:04:16

Ivyne Jeruto Jeruto, crossed the finish line in 2:35:35

Kephar Lumbasi Namutala, claimed the full marathon in 2:14:19.