Rwanda international Noel Hitimana and APR Athletics Club star Marthe Yankuriye (in women’s category) have once again dominated this year’s National Cross Country Championship.

The two middle and long distance runners will lead Team Rwanda’s contingent at the 43rd IAAF World Cross Country Championship come March 30 in Denmark.

Hitimana, also a gold medalist at the 2018 Kigali International Peace Marathon in half marathon, retained his gold medal on Saturday after using 30 minutes, 58 seconds and 61 microseconds to cover the 10km at Kicukiro Stadium.

"I am excited to retain the title, it was a stiff competition. There is no time to relax, now I’m turning my attention to the World Championship. I am going to continue training so I can represent well the country in Denmark,” Hitimana told Times Sport after his victory.

Theophile Bigirimana (30:59:31) finished second while Felicien Muhitira (31:14:86) completed top three.

In women’s category, Yankurije clocked 36 minutes, 43 seconds and 67 microseconds to be crowned champion again, Beathe Nishimwe (36:55:53) and Primitive Niyirora (39:02:03) finished in second and third position, respectively.

According to Olivier Umutangana, the Secretary General of Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF), the country will be represented by twenty athletes at the world championship.

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