Kigali, Kigali City, Rwanda
The Kigali International Peace Marathon draws approximately 8,000 finishers each May through Rwanda's hilltop capital at roughly 1,500 m altitude. The course passes the Kigali Convention Centre, the Kigali Genocide Memorial approach, and the city's terraced hillside roads with views across the 'land of a thousand hills.' May's mild highland dry season makes it East Africa's most significant peace-themed marathon.
Kigali International Peace Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Kigali International Peace Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 23 May 2027 with a 6:30 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 150 m of climbing on a rolling with moderate climbs layout.
The Kigali International Peace Marathon is an urban road that starts and finishes at Amahoro Stadium or the Kigali Convention Centre area. The loop passes the city centre, the Kacyiru district, and terraced hillside roads with valley views. Flatter corridors and river valleys offer the easiest miles, while the moderate climbs through hills, bridges, or bluffs are the tougher sections once fatigue builds. Spectators gather at the start-finish festival and at organised cheer zones through the city centre and along the main boulevards.
The Kigali International Peace Marathon course is rolling with moderate climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
For the Kigali International Peace Marathon, the race is held in May, typically on the fourth Sunday. Registration is through https://www.kigalimarathon.org/.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Kigali.
The Nairobi Marathon attracts about 8,000 finishers each October at roughly 1,600 m altitude in Kenya's capital. The course passes the KICC tower, Uhuru Park, and the city centre on roads that have hosted some of East Africa's most competitive mass races. October mild highland weather and the altitude challenge make it a unique African capital marathon.
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The Johannesburg Marathon draws approximately 9,500 finishers on an urban road in Johannesburg, South Africa. The course starts and finishes in the city centre. The route passes through northern suburbs and along major arterial roads at altitude (1,750 m). Mostly flat with gentle undulations; thin air is the main challenge.
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The Elands Marathon is one of South Africa's oldest and most traditional marathons, drawing about 2,500 runners each August on a rural point-to-point through KwaZulu-Natal's green hills. The course runs between Eshowe and Empangeni (or the reverse in alternating years) on country roads through Zululand. August winter dryness and rolling rural terrain make it a classic among South African club runners.
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The Dolphin Coast Marathon near Ballito on South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal north coast draws about 4,000 finishers each July along the Indian Ocean shoreline. The course passes salt-water pools, resort beaches, and the dolphin coast headlands with warm winter sunshine. July mild KZN north coast weather makes it a popular South African winter destination marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 27 June 2027
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