This year’s Kigali International Peace Marathon (KIPM) is themed around "Bringing the World to Kigali, Taking Kigali to the World," showcasing Rwanda’s commitment to being a global hub for peace, unity, and development through sports.
First launched in 2005 under the patronage of His Excellency President Paul Kagame, KIPM has grown into an internationally celebrated annual event. Designed to promote peace and unity through sports, this year’s event marks an incredible milestone as it evolves into a globally renowned spectacle.
The 2025 Kigali International Peace Marathon features three thrilling race categories:
- Full Marathon (42.195 km): for professional and international athletes seeking a competitive edge.
- Half Marathon (21.097 km): tailored for trained runners ready for a challenge.
- 10 km "Run for Peace": an inclusive race welcoming youth, families, corporate groups, and casual participants.
All races will begin and end at Amahoro Stadium and BK Arena, with routes traversing temporarily closed scenic roads of Kigali City.
KIPM is a global call to action for peace, reconciliation, and development through sports. As noted by the Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF): "Kigali International Peace Marathon is not just about running—it’s about promoting peace, healthy lifestyles, tourism, and celebrating Rwanda’s remarkable progress."
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, KIPM introduces the exciting "Marathon Village," a vibrant hub featuring live entertainment, local cuisine, healthcare services, and children’s activities, making it a grand citywide festival.
Registration fees are as follows:
- International Participants: $80
- Participants from East African Community (EAC): $60
- Rwandans and residents in Rwanda: 8,000 Rwandan Francs (Frw)
- Run for Peace (10 km): 5,000 Frw
- Corporate Teams: $1,000
- VIP Entrants: $500
- Secondary school students and youth: Free
RAF urges youth, families, schools, private enterprises, and NGOs to join the "Run for Peace" event as a way of emphasizing unity, hope, and a brighter future for all.
Participation is expected to surpass last year’s record of 11,000 runners. KIPM is ambitiously aiming to become Africa’s leading marathon by 2026 and one of the world’s top events by 2029.
Upcoming announcements from RAF will include key details such as elite athlete participants, prize money, race maps, spectator zones, road closures, and exciting festivities planned for the marathon period.
At the 2024 marathon:
- Rwandan runners Mutabazi Emmanuel and Imanizabayo Emeline clinched bronze in the men’s and women’s Half Marathon categories, respectively.
- Kenyan athlete Laban Korir won the men’s marathon with a time of 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 6 seconds. His compatriot Cornelius Kipeti Kiplagat followed closely, finishing just 12 seconds behind.
- In the women’s category, Joan Kipyatich from Kenya claimed victory with a time of 2 hours, 33 minutes, and 27 seconds. Ethiopian runner Meseret Abebavehu and Kenya’s Florence Chepsoi Jepkosgei came in second and third, respectively.
The 20th Kigali International Peace Marathon brings the world together.
A medal awarded during the Kigali International Peace Marathon
Runners will traverse through iconic streets of Kigali during the event
Participants from across the globe gather for the Kigali Peace Marathon
The event is open to participants of all backgrounds and skill levels.
The marathon concludes at Amahoro Stadium and BK Arena