Rwandan Martha Yankurije (left) won silver medal in the women’s half marathon race
Rwandan runner Martha Yankurije emerged the best-placed Rwandan as she won a silver medal in the women’s half marathon at the 15thedition of the Kigali International Peace Marathon held on Sunday in Kigali City.
The 15th edition of the Kigali International Peace Marathon attracted 3899 participants, professionals and amateurs, from 55 countries.
It was a multi-category competition which involved a “Run for Peace” 10km race that was open to all and attracted high-profile participants led by the First Lady Jeannette Nyiramongi Kagame.
In the women’s half marathon, Yankurije finished second clocking one hour, fourteen minutes and fifty six seconds, coming behind Kenyan Chepchirchir Celestin who used 01:14:44 to claim gold while fellow country mate Martha Akeno finished third in 01:15:00. Yankurije pocketed USD 2000 for her second-place finish while the Kenyan duo pocketed USD 2500 and USD 1500 respectively.
Yankurije(L) came on second position
As the norm, Kenyans dominated the men’s half marathon race as they registered a 1-2-3 finish with Kimikine Shadrack, Sane Mathew and Chemjor Vestus claimed gold, silver and bronze medals respectively.
Felicien Muhitira was the best placed Rwandan in the men’s half marathon category as he finished fourth, cloking 01:05: 22.
In the full marathon, Ugandan Philip Kiplimo won the 42km race posting 02:20: 21 to beat Kenyan duo of Tallam James and Reuben Kemboi who clocked 02:21:01 and 02: 22:41.
Best Ranked Rwandans overall in full marathon included Habakurama Frederick, Kayiranga Theoneste and Nizeyimana Alexis and and were awarded cash prizes worth USD 2000, USD 1500 and USD 700 respectively.
Ugandan Philip Kiplimo (centre) won the 42km full marathon race at the 2019 Kigali International Peace Marathon on Sunday
Rwanda had no representative in the women full marathon which was won by Kenyan Jepchirchir Korir who registered 02:41:28 ahead of fellow country mate Rutto Beatrice who clocked 02:43:28 and Rumukel Elizabeth who clocked 02:43:58 respectively.
Half Marathon Results
Men
1. Kimikine Shadrack (Kenya) 01:04: 36
2. Sane Mathew (Kenya) 01:05:03
3. Chemjor Vestus (Kenya) 01:05:14
4. Felicien Muhitira (Rwanda) 01:05: 22
Women
1. Chepchirchir Celestin (Kenya) 01:14: 44
2. Marthe Yankurije (Rwanda) 01:14: 56
3. Martha Akeno (Kenya) 01:15:00
Full Marathon Results
Men
1. Philip Kiplimo (Uganda) 02:20: 21
2. Tallam James (Kenya) 02:21:01
3. Reuben Kemboi (Kenya) 02: 22:41
12. Habakurama Frederick 02: 28:16
Women
1. Jepchirchir Korir (Kenya) 02: 41:28
2. Rutto Beatrice (Kenya) 02:43:28
3. Rumukel Elizabeth (Kenya) 02:43:58
