Italy-based Rwanda international Noel Hatimana has vowed that his target at the upcoming 15th Kigali International Peace Marathon is to retain his gold medal in the men’s half-marathon.

The event is scheduled for June 16.

Hitimana, 29, who features for Italian side Atletica Castello since April, will join his teammates in residential camp, in Gicumbi District, on Tuesday.

Talking to Saturday Sport in a telephone interview from Italy, on Friday, Hitimana said that he was training intensively in the European country and looked forward to challenging for a second gold medal in the Kigali Peace Marathon.

"I am fit and mentally up for the challenge. I want to win gold again,” he said.

The long distance sensation, who has a half-marathon personal best of 1:02:01, is fresh from striking gold at this year’s Trieste Half-Marathon last month.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com