Teenage long distance runner Salome Nyirarukundo has intensified preparations ahead of the upcoming 27th edition of Silvesterlauf, a New Year’s Eve race in the southwestern German city of Trier.

This will be the first time for Rwandan athletes to participate at the international 10km road race aimed at celebrating the conclusion of the year with the country set to be represented by 18-year-old female athlete of the year Nyirarukundo and first runner in men’s category Jean Marie Vianney Myasiro.

Fresh from winning this year’s Dar-es-Salaam Rotary Half Marathon title for the second time in a row in October, making her the first Rwandan athlete to win a regional title twice, Nyirarukundo has vowed to write more history at her memorable debut in Germany.

"I have been training for some time now but starting this week I began extensive individual trainings at Amahoro national stadium and around Kigali and its going on pretty well. I am very determined to make it to the podium,” said Nyirarukundo in an interview with Times Sport

She further noted; "I have heard a good season and I want to maintain that record, though this will be my debut, I have enough experience in international competitions that I feel can guide me well all through any race.”

This year, the Rutsiro-born athlete was also the only Rwandan to make it to the podium in the Kigali International Peace Half Marathon in May, winning a silver medal.

She also made her debut in the Africa Senior Athletics Championship that was held in June in Durban, South Africa, where she finished fourth in the 10,000m and qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

In Rio, Nyirarukundo did not impress as she came in 27th position out 35 participants, clocking 32:07:80.

Nonetheless, she still managed to come first in the IAAF yearly rankings, with a total of 1168 points followed by 18-year-old Beatha Nishimwe, who collected 1142 points while Honorine Iribagiza, 17, came in third place with 1118 points.

The 10km road race is staged every 31st of December where the best German runners, international athletes, hobby athletes, and senior citizens, celebrate the conclusion of the year.

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