August 14

Semi-Marathon International de Brazzaville

RWANDA’s long-distance runner Noel Hitimana has started intensive preparations ahead of his debut at the 15th Semi-Marathon International de Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo.

The 2018 Kigali International Peace Half Marathon winner is the only Rwandan athlete set to represent the country at the one-day annual event scheduled for August 14.

Since his heroics in Kigali International Peace Marathon in May, Hitimana has been training at the Iten High Altitude Center located in Eldoret, Kenya.

The 29-year old returned in the country this week to process his travel documents as well as making final touches to his preparations in Kigali.

"I am back from Kenya and have been training at Amahoro stadium on a daily basis since early this week. I am here to process the travel documents,” Hitimana told Times Sport yesterday.

Hitimana will be aiming to become the fourth Rwandan athlete to clinch a medal at the annual event after Eric Sebahire who won a bronze medal in 2016 and, Felicien Muhitira and John Hakizimana who took gold and bronze medals, respectively, last year.

Last year, 24-year old middle and long distance runner Muhitira won the half marathon in Brazzaville after using 1 hour, 4 minutes and 31 seconds while compatriot Hakizimana took bronze in 1:08:17, nine seconds behind silver medalist Wilson Kipotich of Kenya.

The Italy-based Muhitira became the first Rwandan to win the annual competition, which had previously been dominated by Kenyans in the past.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw