TWO HUNDRED Rwandan athletes have so far signed for the first edition of the MTN Kigali Half Marathon slated for this weekend. The runners will be flagged off at Amahoro stadium. 

Rwanda Athletics Federation’s Secretary General Johnson Rukundo confirmed the development to Times Sport yesterday. 

He said, "We have 200 athletes already confirmed for the MTN Kigali half marathon. We expect the numbers to rise between today (Wednesday) and Saturday.” 

The event will be 21 km for the half marathon and 7 kms for the run for fun and registration is in progress at Amahoro Stadium, the MTN office at Rubangura house, the MTN Nyamirambo centre and the MTN Nyabugongo centre. Registration fee is Rwf500. 

Last year’s edition, (before it was rebranded MTN Kigali Marathon this year) was won by Robert Kajuga (men) after clocking 57 minutes, 12 seconds and 68 micro-seconds, while Claudette Mukasakindi claimed the women’s category after running the 21km in one hour, nine minutes and eight seconds. 

The MTN Kigali Marathon is expected to take place for the next four years and will focus on youth development and talent detection. This event comes after the 9th Annual Peace Marathon that was held on May 19. This year’s winners in both male and female categories will represent the country at next year’s World half marathon due in Denmark.