Rwanda’s top athletes have set their eyes firm on podium finishes in Sunday’s Kigali International Marathon. The national athletics team coach Emmanuel Murenzi has backed the athletes to shine, "The athletes are in good shape and I don’t see why they can’t challenge the Kenyans,” he said.

With the exception of Gervais Hakizimana, who is yet to return from France where he has been doing his training, all the other top athletes have confirmed their involvement.

Disi Dieudonne will lead Rwanda’s hunt for glory in the half marathon category alongside the likes of Sylvain Rukundo, Philip Mugwiza and Jean Baptist Mugwiza while Felix Ntirenganya, Fred Twahirwa and Eric Mpazimpaka will contest in the full marathon.

Rwanda will also field two females in the half marathon (Claudette Mukasakindi and Genessi Nyirahabimana) and two in the full marathon (Mediatrice Nyirarangwa and two-time Olympian Epiphanie Nyirabarame).

Kenya dominated proceedings last year. Kenya’s Jacob Kenfagor finished top after clocking 2:18: 06 while his fellow country men Maisei Kiplimo and Micah Kipserem followed closely in second and third spot.

Felicien Sekanyama was Rwanda’s top performer after a 7th spot finish.

In the ladies’ category, Kenya’s Risper Kimaiyo finished first after clocking 2:55:22. 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.

This year’s marathon is divided into four categories; the full marathon (42km), half marathon (21km), 4*4 relay marathon (15km) and run for fun (5km).

The winner of the full marathon both in the men and women’s category stands to bag $2,000 while the first and second runners-up will get $1,500 and $1,200 respectively.

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