Financial constraints have forced the local athletics body to rule out Rwanda in the East and Central Cross Country championship scheduled for February 17 in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

Rwanda Athletics federation (RAF) Secretary General Appolinaire Munyangoga recently said that the country had pulled out of the event after failing to secure enough funds.

"This championship was thought to be a build up for our national athletes before heading to Edinburgh, Scotland for the World Cross Country championship but we have failed to raise enough funds," Munyangoga said.

Meanwhile, over 160 athletes from ten countries are expected to take part in the event. Countries expected to take part in the event include; Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia, Uganda, Zanzibar and hosts Tanzania.

The Tanzanian athletics body has budgeted Shs 26m (Frw.13 millions) for the one-day event.

Till date, it’s not clear if Kenya will take part in the event following the post-election violence which has spread in many parts of the country.

In a related development, Kenya’s former Olympic runner Lucas Sang was recently hacked to death.

World marathon champion Luke Kibet was also knocked to the ground by a heavy rock that struck his head on New Year’s Eve as violence swept the country.

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