Over 40 duathletes will be up against a harsh terrain in the first edition of the Arboretum Cross Duathlon competition that takes place Saturday in Huye District, Southern Province.

Alexis Mbaraga, president of the local triathlon federation (RTF), told this publication on Friday that the competitors will cover a total distance of 27.5km; divided into three sections.

They will start with 5km of running, followed by 20km of cycling race before finishing with another 2.5km of running. The race, which starts at 9am, is expected to end at 11am.

Following a cabinet decision in February, the Arboretum of Ruhande, a 200-hectare forest situated in Huye District, was dedicated to the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy project.

Planted in 1933, the forest is made up of 148 deciduous species and 56 conifers, encompassing a mixture of exotic and indigenous species.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com