Long distance ace Disi Dieudonne is in intensive training as he prepares to take part in the San Blas half marathon and the defence of his Lagos Glo-Lagos international half marathon title, both set for next month.

According to his tentative schedule, Disi, 28 will compete in the 46th edition of the famous San Blas half marathon in Puerto Rico on February 3 before switching attention to the defence of his Glo-Lagos International title on February 21.

The former APR athletics club athlete has relocated to Northern Province town of Ruhengeri well known for its high altitude weather conditions.

Disi, who finished fifth in the San Blas event last year, will be accompanied by compatriots Sylvain Rukundo and Gervais Hakizimana.

The Rwandan trio will face tough competition from last year’s winner and still the prevent favorite Evans Cheruiyot (Kenya) as well as seasoned campaigners like Benson Barus, who won last year’s Ostia Half Marathon in Rome, Italy and William Chebon Chebor.

Meanwhile, competition for the grand prize in the Glo-half marathon is getting more intense as top international athletes jostle to register for the event.

World champion Haile Gabresellasie will lead 100 elite international runners to the Glo Lagos International Half Marathon with winners sharing $210,000 and two Kia Picanto cars.

The overall winners in the male and female categories will receive $50,000 each, the first runner-up in the male and female categories will get $25,000 dollars each while the second runner-up in the male and female categories will cart home $15,000 dollars each.

Also, the third runner-ups in the male and female categories will win $10,000 each while the 4th runner up in the each category will walk away with $5,000.

Disi won the inaugural event two years ago clocking 1 hour, 3 minutes and 5 seconds and $50.000 in cash prize.

Ends