Close to 2000 athletes from different parts of the country are expected to take part in this year’s Bugesera 20k race scheduled for  June 17 in Nyamata.

Held every year since 2015, the fourth edition of the athletics event is dubbed ‘Race to Restore’ according to a statement released by the organisers – Gasore Serge Foundation.

The inaugural edition in 2015 covered a distance of 12 kilometres while the second edition covered 15 kilometres before turning to a 20-kilometre race last year.

"The race will start and finish at Golden Tulip La Palisse Hotel. Registration opened on May 13 and will be closing on June 16. The event is open to all and there is no fee paid to participate.” The statement reads.

Among the new initiatives for the best 20km female winner this year, is that the best female will receive a Dubai air-ticket on top of Rwf 200,000 cash prize.

The Bugesera 20km race is organized not only to reflect on rebuilding the district but also in virtue of widespread effort to transmit importance of sports in unity and reconciliation after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

APR Athletics Club duo of Alex Nizeyimana and Martha Yankurije put on an excellent performance to win last year’s competition in the men and women categories respectively.

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