The 18th Kigali International Peace Marathon winners will receive more price money this year, according to organizers Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF), which said that money has increased.
Speaking to the media, RAF president Rtd Lt. Col. Lemuel Kayumba revealed that this year’s prize money is five times higher.
“Winners in the full marathon both male and female will walk away with $20,000 roughly Rwf 20million, last year they received $4,000 estimated at Rwf4 million.” Rtd Lt Col Kayumba noted.
In the Marathon section, the Half Marathon [21.9 miles], the first of the two categories, will take home $5,000 while last year the winner was awarded $2,500.
“This increase in prizes in this year’s competition is to raise the profile of the competition to an international level.’ He says
He cites that this year’s marathon is expected to involve elite athletes from neighboring countries including Kenya and Ethiopia.
In addition, participants who finish from fourth to eighth place in both categories will walk away with $2,000, $1,000, $800, $500 and $400 respectively. They will also be awarded medals.
Commenting about the Run For Fan category, he pointed out that they have not been forgotten.
“I am encouraging aspiring athletes to come and run like 10kms” He said.
The 18th marathon will take place on Sunday, June 11.
Foreigners participants will be required to pay $30 for registration, local participants will pay Rwf 5000.
Regional athletes from Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan will pay $10 estimated Rwf 10,000.
Last year, Kenya shined when they dominated the marathon with Kenyans Wilfred Kigan and Margaret Agai winning the men and women categories.
Kenyan Shadrack Kimining Korir and Rwandan Musabyeyezu Adeline won the Half-Marathon.
The marathon attracted over 3000 people from different countries, this year that number is expected to increase, according to organizers.
