In the absence of reigning champion Robert Kajuga, who is nursing an injury, Alexis Nizeyimana rose to the occasion to win the men’s MTN Kigali half marathon after clocking 1:02:21 on Sunday.Felicien Muhitira and Hussein Habumugisha settled for second and third position in a time of 1:02:38 and 1:03:06 respectively.Veteran Felix Ntirenganya finished fourth after clocking 1:03:19; Potien Ntawiyirushintenge claimed the fifth slot in a time of 1:03:20, while Leonidas Baganizi finished sixth, finishing four seconds later.In the women’s category, two-time Olympian Epiphanie Nyirabarame proved that age is just a number as she beat stiff challenge from younger opponents to win the 21km race.The 32-year- old athlete, Nyirabarame, who has been Rwanda’s trailblazer on the international stage in the women full marathon, dominated the first MTN Kigali Half Marathon, which started from Amahoro stadium through to Kacyiru, Kinamba, Rwandex, Prince House and then back in 1:20:19.Salome Nyirarukundo clocked 1:21:33 to take second place, while Pelagie Musengimana finished third in 1:24:07.Genesse Nyirahabimana, Martine Yankurije and Clementine Mukandanga grabbed the remaining cash-spilling positions.The winners walked away with Rwf500, 000, second place got Rwf350,000, third position received Rwf250,000, for fourth position Rwf200,000 was given, the fifth placed got Rwf100,000, while sixth position athlete walked away with Rwf50,000 in both categories.The MTN Kigali Marathon which is expected to take place for the next four years has been earmarked as a platform to help in youth development and talent detection. This event comes after the 9th Annual Peace Marathon that was held on May 19.This year’s winners are guaranteed a place in the national team which will represent the country at next year’s World half marathon due in Denmark.The others sponsors included Techno mobile phones, Drop water and UAE exchanges among others.

MTN KIGALI HALF MARATHON RESULTSMen1. Alexis Nizeyimana     1:02:212. Felicien Muhitira     1:02:383. Hussein Habumugisha 1:03:064. Felix Ntirenganya     1:03:195. Potien Ntawuyirushintenge 1:03:20 6. Leonidas Baganizi     1:03:24 Women1. Epiphanie Nyirabarame 1:20:192. Salome Nyirarukundo     1:21:333. Pelagie Musengimana     1:24:074. Genesse Nyirahabimana 1:27:365. Martine Yankurije     1:30:126. Clementine Mukandanga 1:34:40