Through the local triathlon federation, Rwanda is set to host the African Triathlon Cup competition for a second consecutive year.

The one-day continental showpiece takes place this Saturday, July 13, in Rubavu District.

Triathlon is a race which combines swimming, cycling and running by one athlete on one chrono time or in a team of two men and two women.

According to organisers, the multisport competition comprises 750 meters of swimming, 20km of cycling and 5km of running.

Rwanda, the host country, will field a total of 16 athletes. Other countries to be represented include; Burundi, South Africa, Kenya, Japan, Egypt, Morocco, Poland and Turkey.

"Everything is in place for a successful event,” said Alexis Mbaraga, president of the Rwanda Triathlon Federation.

"Besides vying for different prizes, the competition will also act as a qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.”

The winners, in both men and women’s categories, will pocket $500 (about Rwf 450,000) each.

At the 2018 edition of the annual event, which was also held in Rubavu, at the shores of Lake Kivu, Namibian Burger Nam claimed the top prize in men’s category while South Africa’s Greer Huub struck gold in women’s section.

Times Sport understands that the competition will be preceded by a technical training course of about 25 people. Catherine Jennings, from Zimbabwe, is the event’s supervisor.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com