Men

1. Robert Kajuga 45:33:702. Primien Manirafasha 45:48:33

Women

1. Celine Iradukunda 1:00:482. Mediatrice Nyirarangwa 1:03:38

Best from Nyanza (men)

1. Assiel Nsengiyumva 50:38:822. Jean Damascene Tuyizere 51:49:913. Ferdinand Nahimana 53:20:70

Women

1. Stephanie Niyodusenga 1:09:332. Divine Dusabe 1:11:413. Gloria Mushyitsi 1:14:22

Rwanda international Robert Kajuga and Celine Iradukunda claimed gold medal in the men and women’s categories respectively after winning the 15km Nyanza Peace Marathon that circulated around Nyanza town on Saturday.

After the conclusion of the Northern Province race last weekend in Musanze district, the provincial race headed to Southern Province.

Kajuga, who did not compete in Musanze due to injury, clocked 45 minutes, 33 seconds and 70 microseconds to cross the finish line ahead of closest challenger, Primien Manirafasha, used 45 minutes, 48 seconds and 33 microseconds.

"I am excited to win this race, I was not at my best because I have not trained well due to an injury, so to win here today is a big motivation in my preparations for the main event in May,” said Kajuga.

In the women’s race, Iradukunda clocked 1:00:48, followed by Mediatrice Nyirarangwa, who used 1:03:38 to take silver medal.

Meanwhile, in a bid to encourage the host areas, the Rwanda Athletics Federation together with Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion and Ministry Of Sports and Culture rewarded the best three athletes from Nyanza District.

Next Saturday, the provincial race will head to Karongi District in the Western Province.

The main objectives of these pre-event races are campaigning for the HeForShe movement, talent detection and improving awareness for this year’s Kigali International Peace marathon main event set for May 22.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw