Written by: Badr Ahmed
The first day of the Kigali International Peace Marathon kicked off this morning, with the streets of the Rwandan capital filled with a wide participation of runners, families and community groups in the Run for Peace event, which brought together participants from all over the city under one goal: to celebrate Kigali’s commitment to the values of peace, unity and shared hope for the future.
The Kigali International Peace Marathon kicks off in a festive atmosphere.
The event was marked by a vibrant and enthusiastic atmosphere, with music mingling with cheers and conversations among participants of all ages and backgrounds, as everyone prepared to take part in the opening event of Marathon Week. It was more than just a traditional sporting race; it became a powerful expression of the power of sport to unite people and foster connections across different neighborhoods and communities.
During the race, the streets of Kigali transformed into a vibrant tapestry reflecting the spirit of the community, as friends ran side by side, children waved flags, and local groups carried banners calling for unity and understanding. Every step taken by the participants embodied the values upon which the marathon is founded, foremost among them respect, resilience, and solidarity.
Volunteers and the public also played a vital role in the event's success, lining the route to support participants by distributing water, cheering on runners, and applauding them. This transformed the event into a comprehensive community celebration rather than simply a sporting race. In those moments, the streets felt like they belonged to everyone, and the spirit of peace was palpable and tangible among the participants.
As the Run for Peace concluded, the positive atmosphere continued with participants discussing the upcoming days of the marathon. The photographs captured a glimpse of the event, but they only reflect a small part of the bigger picture of Kigali in 2026—a city that chooses to come together, move forward, and support one another with a clear sense of community.
The main marathon events in the coming days are expected to carry more momentum and participation, after the start of the first day laid the foundation for a clear message that progress and peace are built together, step by step, and with everyone’s participation.
