Close to 6,000 people from across the globe will be in Rubavu District on Sunday, August 4, to witness the highly-anticipated 2024 Ironman 70.3 triathlon race. District Mayor Prosper Mulindwa told The New Times that the town, hosting the event for the third time in a row, is prepared from all aspects of the race From setting up tents to decoration on the shores of Lake Kivu and roads across the town, Mulindwa said that everything is set. ALSO READ: Ironman 70.3 Triathlon race returns in Rubavu on August 4 We're prepared, only waiting for the competition tomorrow, said Mulindwa. Athletes participating in the Ironman 70.3 race will cover 1.9km swim at the waterfront of Lake Kivu, a 90km bike course, and a multi-lap 21.1km run course that spans the shoreline of Lake Kivu. South African duo Refilwe Mokgosi and Thina Mananyetso are among athletes that The New Times spotted at the lakeside on Friday, August 2, having final training sessions ahead of Sunday’s triathlon fiesta. I'm so excited and at the same time scared,” said 42-year-old Mananyetso. “This is my first time to participate in IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda edition. I have never been to the lake; the water is clean. It's encouraging. Mananyetso’s countryman Mokgosi is among Ironman 70.3 Rwanda debutants. She, however, participated in similar events organized in his home country. I participate in some editions in South Africa but I did not finish. I have been testing the water here [Rubavu] to see how the waves are, Mokgosi said. This time I am ready to finish, I have prepared enough, she added. Local contestants are also ready for the triathlon race, as Rubavu-based Arthur Munyaneza, 21, told The New Times. “I have practised a lot; I am ready for tomorrow, Munyaneza said. IRONMAN 70.3 Triathlon is more than just a competition. It also comes on a good season for business people in Rubavu town as they look to make profits from people coming to Rubavu which is regarded as tourism and gateway secondary city. Hotels, motels and guest houses are highly booked, and of course, restaurants and cafés. According to Global Events Africa, the organiser of this global event, the triathlon tournament is set to attract participants from over 15 countries.
