ORGANIZERS of this year’s Kigali International Marathon still expect a big turn up. One of the event organisers Flora Rwigema told Times Sport yesterday that even with just over two weeks to the event,  the ‘4000’ target is still realistic.

"I don’t have any doubt at all about the participation. Many of the participants are always Rwandans. We expect to get 1000 participants from schools.”

"Registration is still low but we still have up to May 22 for Rwandans to register and by that time, the numbers will have increased,” he said.

To date, only 70 foreign athletes have registered for the event set for May 23 and Rwigema attributes the low turn up to three international events that collide with the marathon. Grande Premio Brasil Caixa de Atletismo in Rio de Janeiro, Shanghai Golden Grand Prix in China and Sunfeast World 10K in Bangalore, India will be held on May 23.

The half (21km), full (42km) and marathon relay will be preceded by a 5km Run for Fun and walking as well as the wheelchair race.

The winner of the full marathon will pocket $2500 while the winner of the half marathon will walk away with $1500.

Last year, Kenya’s Tabut Benjamin Kipkosgei clocked 2 hours, 21 minutes and 38 seconds sweep the full marathon while Bryton Banuelia of Tanzania set a new record in the women fray after clocking 2 hours, 47minutes and 49 seconds.

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