RAF holds national trials ahead of Kigali International Peace Marathon 2026

The Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF) held national trials in Gahanga, attracting 30 athletes competing for places in Rwanda’s team for Kigali International Peace Marathon 2026.

The competition served as a crucial assessment platform for long-distance runners seeking a place on Rwanda’s national team ahead of one of Africa’s most celebrated road running events.

The Kigali International Peace Marathon 2026 is scheduled to take place from June 13–14, 2026, marking the 21st edition of the internationally recognized marathon.

Since its inception, the event has become a symbol of unity, reconciliation, and peace, bringing together athletes and recreational runners from across the globe under the theme of promoting peace through sport.

As part of the selection process, athletes competing in the Full Marathon category completed a 32-kilometer trial run, while in the Half Marathon category raced over a distance of 16 kilometers.

The reduced distances were strategically designed to evaluate endurance, speed, tactical discipline, and overall preparedness without overloading athletes during the final stages of training.

In the Marathon category, 8 men athletes and 1 women participated in the trials.

Elsewhere, the Half Marathon category featured 17 men athletes and 4 women athletes.

Through this trial, RAF selected 13 athletes who will enter a residential training camp beginning Monday, May 18, 2026. 

The intensive training program will focus on physical conditioning, race strategy, nutrition, recovery, and mental preparation as athletes gear up to compete against elite international runners during the Kigali International Peace Marathon.

Over the years, The Kigali International Peace Marathon is an annual event that brings together runners from around the world to promote peace and unity in the capital city of Rwanda. 

Participants can choose to run any of the distances and will be able to take in the breathtaking sights of Rwanda’s beautiful landscape.

The race is not only a sporting event but a chance to promote peace through sport and to help bring unity to the city.

The International Peace Marathon is an event for all runners, regardless of their ability or experience, to join together and make a difference for peace.

The event traditionally features multiple race categories, including the Full Marathon (42.195km), Half Marathon (21.097km), and the popular “Run for Peace,” which encourages mass participation from communities, families, and visitors.

RAF continues to strengthen its long-term vision of developing a competitive national athletics team capable of excelling on the international stage.

Through structured talent identification programs, athlete development initiatives, and participation in major competitions, the federation remains committed to raising Rwanda’s profile in global athletics.