Sebahire looks to end Peace Marathon jinx

Elite runner Eric Sebahire is determined to put an end to the decade-long jinx by Rwandans in the annual Kigali International Peace on May 24. Renowned for their mastery in long distance running worldwide, Kenyans have completely dominated this event, winning eight out of the 10 editions with Uganda’s Joseph Nsubuga emerging victorious in the inaugural edition in 2005 and Dickson Marwa of Tanzania winning the 2007 edition. The 32-year-old Sebahire has represented Rwanda at several international competitions including at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in 2011, 2013 and this year in Guiyang, China where he finished 46th. “It is high time a Rwandan athlete won the Kigali International Peace Marathon. I am training hard to make sure that I emerge as the best. It will not be easy but I am going to give it my very best. I have been seeing how the Kenyans run whenever we meet at international events and I am aiming to run faster than them this year,” explained Sebahire who is currently training in Kigali. At last year’s edition, Jean Damascene Mugabo, a businessman in downtown Kigali finished 10th in the men’s marathon event and was the highest placed Rwandan with the top nine all Kenyan. For the 2011, 2012 and 2013 editions, no Rwandan made it in the top 10 but Sebahire is confident that he will break the jinx and bring glory to Rwanda and the fans. Sebahire finished fifth in last year’s half marathon category, two minutes and nine seconds behind the winner Silah Limo Kipkemboi, a Kenyan. Another Rwandan athlete Felicien Muhitira who was seventh in last year’s half marathon believes he is in position to challenge for the honours in the full marathon a fortnight from now. He told Times Sport that, “I am working hard during training and I really want to do my best and bring pride to Rwanda.” The event will include the full marathon of 42km, half marathon of 21km and a family run of 5km with all categories starting and ending at Amahoro stadium. The 21km run will start from Amahoro stadium via Chez Lando, Gishushu, MTN centre Nyarutarama, Gacuriro village and back to Gishushu, Parliament, Umubano hotel and then turn back to Gishushu, Gisementi, Tigo, University of Rwanda (former KIE), Control Technique, Sports view and back to Amahoro stadium while the 42km will be twice this route. The Family run which is 5km will start from the Amahoro stadium via Tigo, University of Rwanda (former KIE), Control Technique, Sports view hotel and then back to the stadium. The annual event is organized to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi through peace and reconciliation and this year’s edition will attract athletes from within the country, neighbouring countries like Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and as far as Europe and USA. Registration is already underway at all MTN service centers with residents including foreigners who live in Rwanda paying Rwf2,000 if they present their resident cards while foreigners will pay $25. All mobile money users can also register through their personal accounts and with a confirmation message can pick their kits between May 20-22 at Amahoro stadium. Men 2005 – Joseph Nsubuga (Uganda)2006 – Benjamin Bitok (Kenya)2007 – Dickson Marwa (Tanzania)2008 – Jacob Kendagor (Kenya)2009 – Benjamin Tabut Kipkosgei (Kenya)2010 – Peter Limo (Kenya)2011 – Felix Kambie Ilpcitirochir (Kenya)2012 – Paul Kosjei Kibet (Kenya)2013 – Barnabas Kipyego (Kenya)2014 – Biwot Kipkorir (Kenya)2015 - ? editorial@newtimes.co.rw