July 29th

Marvejols-Mende half Marathon

Rwanda international long distance and cross country runner Felicien Muhitira is upbeat about defending his title and even break the current record of the forthcoming 46th edition Marvejols-Mende half marathon in France.

The annual 22.4kilometre race is scheduled for July 29 where about 5000 athletes from around the world are expected to participate.

Last year, 24-year old Muhitira debuted and sensationally claimed a gold medal after posting one hour, and eleven minutes beating his closest contender John Lotiang from Kenya who clocked one hour, twelve minutes and five seconds.

Later, Muhitira went on to compete in the 98th edition of the 24.3km Sedan-Charleville race which he won breaking a 54-year record of the fastest time in that race that was set by French Norman Ameur.

"I had a good campaign last year in France and am hoping to repeat this feat this time, I have been training extensively for almost two months now, I want to defend my title but more importantly I want to set a new record there,” said Muhitira in an exclusive interview with Times Sport on Wednesday

The current standing record was set by Kenyan Luka Kanda during the 39th edition back in 2011 who won the race with a time of one hour, 10 minutes and nine seconds.

"I have been trying to deduct a minute on the time I used last year which would be enough to set the new record and so far, am starting to get to the level I wanted,” he added

The former Nyamagabe athletics club runner is scheduled to jet off on July 22 via Italy where he will also conduct final training before switching to France for the race.

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