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Feature: Kenyans dominate Kigali international peace marathon

Xinhua, May 22, 2016 Adjust font size:

Kenyan runners showed good form as they dominated the top positions in the 2016 Kigali International Peace Marathon which took place on Sunday in Rwanda's capital Kigali.

In both categories of men and women, the 42km race full marathon and 21km race half marathon were won by Kenyans in the 12th edition of the peace marathon.

James Tallam won the men's full marathon of 42km race when he broke away from the lead pack with four kilometers left to reach the finishing line at the Amahoro National Stadium.

The men's category half marathon winner, Benson Kipruto also from Kenya took an early lead and looked comfortable throughout the race.

In women's category it was all-Kenyan affair as Elizabeth Chemweno won the women's full marathon of 42km race and her fellow Kenyan Agnes Jeruto won the women's half marathon.

Rwanda 's presence was best felt in the 21km event in women's category, where Salome Nyirarukundo finished second in the women's half marathon.

Felicien Muhitira, one of the best Rwandan athletes scooped the 5th position in the men's half marathon.

More than 3,500 people from 44 countries took part in the full marathon, as well as half marathon and 7 km run-for-fun race, braving scorching sun to take to the streets.

"I had prepared myself enough for this race and that's the reason I won the race," James Tallam, winner of men's full marathon told reporters after receiving his bank cheque prize of 2,680 U.S. dollars (about Rwf2 million).

The annual event organized by the Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF) and the Rwanda ministry of sports and culture brings together runners, volunteers and supporters from the country as well as foreign participants.

"I thank God for this achievement because I managed to finish in the top three positions. I am overwhelmed by joy and I look forward to emerging overall winner of the women full marathon in the next year peace marathon event," said Nyirarukundo from Rwanda.

Kigali international peace marathon was first held in 2005 and has since been organized under the patronage of Rwanda president Paul Kagame.

"This year's marathon went well and we did not register any incidents, participants were fit to take part in the event. We thank runners for participating in this activity that promotes peace in our country and in the region," said Johnson Rukundo, RAF Secretary General.

"We will continue to increase the level of organization to enhance its profile to rival other regional big marathons." Endit