Rwandan middle-distance runner Emeline Imanizabayo claimed first place in the women's 5000 meters at the Dutch National Championships, clocking a time of 15:07 to set a new Rwandan national record in the event. The result marks a significant improvement on her previous personal best of 15:37.87, set at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, shaving more than 30 seconds off her own national mark in the discipline. Imanizabayo finished ahead of Finland's Ilona Mononen, who crossed the line in 15:10, with Kenya's Maurine Jepkoech Chebor completing the podium in 15:15. Rwanda's Minister of Sports, Nelly Muk

 Rwandan middle-distance runner Emeline Imanizabayo claimed first place in the women's 5000 meters at the Dutch National Championships, clocking a time of 15:07 to set a new Rwandan national record in the event.

The result marks a significant improvement on her previous personal best of 15:37.87, set at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, shaving more than 30 seconds off her own national mark in the discipline.

Imanizabayo finished ahead of Finland's Ilona Mononen, who crossed the line in 15:10, with Kenya's Maurine Jepkoech Chebor completing the podium in 15:15.

Rwanda's Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, congratulated the athlete on social media, writing: "Congratulations Emeline! Share it and let's build it back up," a rallying call for public celebration of the achievement.

Rwanda Athletics Federation also hailed the run, describing it as "a victory built on excellence, resilience, and ambition inspiring a new generation of champions."

The performance continues a strong run of form for Imanizabayo on the international circuit. In March, she finished sixth at the Lisbon Half Marathon in a national record time of 67:35, demonstrating her capacity to compete across distances.

The Sina Gérard Athletics Club athlete, in which Emeline belongs, is a national 5000m champion and has previously represented Rwanda at the Commonwealth Games and the World Indoor Championships.

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