Rwanda’s long distance athlete Dieudonne Disi knows the tough challenge that awaits him in today’s national cross country championship at Kigali Golf Club, Nyarutarama.

The 5000m, 10000m and half marathon national record holder told Sunday Sport yesterday that he is aware of stiff challenge being poised by fellow Rwandans in today’s Cross Country aimed at selecting national athletes who will head to the 36th  edition of the IAAF World Cross Country Championship due on March 30 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

"I had ruled out participating in that race because I was preparing for a half marathon race in Dubai (due late this month). But now I have decided to take part in,” Disi said.
Only 12 slots will be up for grabs the winners in the male and female categories, seven boys and five girls.

Disi finished 22nd in last year’s World Cross Country championship held in the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa.

His main rivals Slyvain Rukundo came on 38th position,Gervais Nizeyimana was 53rd, Jean Baptiste Simuceka was 58th,Gervais Hakizimana was 77th and Godfrey Rutayisire finishing 109 respectively.

Rwanda is also planning to send senior women’s team to this year’s edition after performing poorly in the Mombasa event last year.

Angelline Nyiransabimana finished 31st behind Holland’s Kenyan-born Lornah Kiplagat who won the event.

Epiphanie Nyirabarame finished 52nd with Felicite Uwigeneye on 56th position, Claudette Mukasakindi on 59th, Genessi Nyirahabimana on 67th and Lambrte Nyabamikazi finsihed 77th.

Today’s event is full facilitated by the local athletics governing body, Rwanda Athletics Federation to a tune of Frw0.9 millions after failing to bring sponsors on board.
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