THE International Athletics Amateur Federation (IAAF) has urged all its members to upgrade their track stadiums.

The local Athletics Federation (RAF) Secretary General Apollinaire Munyangoga yesterday revealed that Rwanda was one of those countries targeted.

"We fall in that category and have started plans to construct a modern running track ahead of the 2011 world championships in Korea,” the official said.

"We welcome the idea because it’s a good platform for our athletes to improve.”

IAAF has set a deadline of 2011. The track installation in Rwanda is funded by IAAF and is estimated to cost between $60,000 and $100,000.

IAAF’s decision came after realising that many athletes from developing countries struggled in major world championships after failing to adapt to the modern tracks.

And Munyangoga is optimistic that Rwanda will have better performances in future athletics events when the modern track is laid.

The running track could be staged in Byumba, Gitarama or just next to Ferwafa head offices in Remera.

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