The Kigali International Peace Marathon, entering its 16th year in 2020, is now in collaboration with a co-founder and several members of the team who created and organized the Rock n Roll International Marathon Series and Center for Global Sports. Plans are in place to elevate KIPM to a major “destination” marathon with great potential for international runners.
Kigali International Peace Marathon Video
Rwanda’s proximity to Ethiopia and Kenya already help the marathon draw world class athletes, but Rwanda has other attributes that are very appealing to running tourists from around the world.
Rwanda is not only ranked the safest country in Africa (5th in the world – WEF 1918) but Kigali is also widely regarded as the cleanest city on the continent.
Kigali International Airport, with direct flights from Europe, and soon the US, serves major European, US, Asian, African, and Middle Eastern airlines.
For such “fun” runners, the marathon is only the beginning of their adventure as Rwanda’s national parks are home to some of Africa’s most unique and magnificent wildlife, most notably the famous mountain gorillas, as well as over 700 species of birds. Whether hiking the Congo Nile Trail, kayaking Lake Kivu, viewing the Big 5 in Akagera National Park, or cycling on Rwanda’s well-maintained roads, the active visitor will have numerous adventures to pursue.
Rwanda’s well-deserved, business-friendly climate (ranked number two in Africa – WEF 2018), wide variety of international, al fresco restaurants, moderate temperatures year-round and growing list of high quality hotels are a few of the many reasons why it is now the second most popular convention destination in Africa (2018).
Its increasing number of international-level sports venues and focus on hosting athletic events make Rwanda optimistic that the Kigali International Peace Marathon will become a major destination marathon and foundational to Rwanda’s burgeoning sports tourism industry. The 16th edition of the KIPM will hit the streets of Kigali on May 24, 2020.
