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Felicien Muhitira (Rwa) 31:00:01Yemaneberhan Crippa (Ita) 31:00:19Thomas James Lokomwa (Ken) 31:00:31

Rwanda’s Felicien Muhitira started his career in Italy on a high after shocking strong opposition to win the 10,000m race at the 91st Giro di Castelbuono on Tuesday. He is the first Rwandan to win this particular competition.

Muhitira, who was racing in his first competition in Italy since joining Potenza Pichina Athletics Club mid this month, used 31 minutes and one second. The former Nyamasheke athletics club runner, signed for Potenza Pichina on a one-year contract.

The 21-year-old Muhitira overcame stiff challenge from Italian Yemaneberhan Crippa (31’ 19”), who runs for GS Fiamme Oro club and Kenyan Thomas James Lokomwa (31’ 31”) of GP Apuan Alps Park. The Kenya was a two-time defending champion of the race.

After winning the race, Muhitira was quoted in Italian press, saying, "I am happy to win the gold, the competition was tight. I still have a lot of work to do, but with time I believe I will improve and win more silverware.”

Muhitira, who made his international debut in 2013; has a personal best of 28:17:07 in 10,000m, 14:11:12 in 5000m and 1:03:31for half-marathon, which he registered at the 2014 World Half Marathon Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark.

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