Kajuga eyes Peace marathon podium finish

Robert Kajuga believes he is good enough to win the half marathon race in the forthcoming Kigali Peace marathon scheduled for May 27.

Friday, May 18, 2012
Robert Kajuga

Robert Kajuga believes he is good enough to win the half marathon race in the forthcoming Kigali Peace marathon scheduled for May 27.The diminutive SEC Academy athlete finished in second place last year, behind Kenya’s Francis Bowen but after competing in a series of marathons in Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa and Morocco this year, the youngster hopes he will reign this time round."My physique has got better and the experience of running in many competitions has bolstered my confidence, and am confident in my ability to take on anyone and win,” Kajuga said after yesterday’s training.According to the federation secretary Johnson Rukundo, the body has invited only four participants each from the East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi as well as superpowers Ethiopia and Eritrea but over 2000 participants who will cater for themselves are expected to participate in the event.Entry fee for marathon and relay marathon runners remains unchanged from last year and is still on-going at the Federation offices at Amahoro stadium. The prices are-$45 (Rwf27, 000) and $25 (Rwf15, 000) for the full and half marathon races respectively. Athletes, who wish to compete in the 5km race for fun, will part with $6 (Rwf3, 600).The winner of the full marathon will pocket $2500 (Rwf1.5m) while the tenth will earn $200 (Rwf120, 000). The half marathon winner will also pocket $2500 (Rwf1.5m).The marathon is divided into five categories; full marathon (42km), half marathon (21km), 10.54km marathon team relays, 5km course for children and 5km run for fun race.