Disi out of Kigali marathon

Rwanda’s top long distance runner Dieudonne Disi will not take part in this year’s Kigali international marathon scheduled for May 24.

Monday, May 11, 2009
Dieudonne Disi will miss the Kigali International marathon with a leg injury. (File photo)

Rwanda’s top long distance runner Dieudonne Disi will not take part in this year’s Kigali international marathon scheduled for May 24.

Disi told Times Sport over the weekend through e-mail that he will not take part in the marathon because he is still nursing a leg injury he sustained during the Paris marathon last month. "I will just be a spectator because I can’t run,” Disi said.

The 28-year-old however, expects to be fit for the Berlin Marathon slate for August in Germany.

Meanwhile, with two weeks left to the Kigali show piece, over 400 runners have confirmed participation.

Full marathon winners in both categories (men and women) stands to bag $2000 while first and second runners-up get to pocket $15000 and $1200 respectively.

The Kigali International Marathon, which is fully supported by President Paul Kagame, is sponsored by Ministry of Culture and Sport, Rwanda National Olympic Committee, ORTPN/RDB, UN, Soroptimist International.

Last year’s event was won by Kenyan trio of Jacob Kenfagor, Maisei Kiplimo and Micah Kipserem.

Kenfagor clocked 2:18: 06 while Kiplimo used 2:18:36 and Kipserem finished third clocking 2:21:58 respectively.

Felicien Sekanyama was the best Rwandan in the males’ Marathon category, arriving in a 7th position.

Kenyans were also impressive in the women’s full marathon, taking the first three slots.

Tanzania’s Martin Sulle and Rwanda’s Angeline Nyiransabimana won the men and women’s half-marathon respectively ahead of Sammy Limo and Hellen Waithira of Kenya.

Ends