Ironman 70.3: First-time visitors impressed by Rwanda's safety, cleanness

First-time Rwanda visitors who participated in this year’s Ironman 70.3 were hugely impressed by the country’s safety and cleanliness. The tournament which concluded in Rubavu town on Sunday, attracted athletes from 27 countries who competed in a challenging race at the picturesque beach of Lake Kivu. The race attracted 200 athletes who participated in a 1.9 kilometre swim in Lake Kivu, a 90 kilometre bike race, and a multi-lap 21.1 kilometre run. ALSO READ: British Raoul Metclafe wins 2024 Ironman 70.3, Team Rwanda shines Johan Erasmus, 57, was competing with his wife, Dominique Erasmus, 45, and their daughter Janique Erasmus. The family from Pretoria, South Africa, was in Rwanda in 2023 for the gorilla naming ceremony held in Kinigi Sector, Musanze town, expressed their admiration for the country’s beauty and tranquillity. The family keeps visiting the country and hopes to woo more friends to come. “I have to keep coming back because Rwanda is a beautiful country. I mean, you have what we don't have in South Africa. It’s safe, beautiful, relaxed, and lovely, Dominique said, smiling. “Everyone must come to Rwanda once in a lifetime. They should not die without coming to Rwanda.” In 2023, the family tracked gorillas in Rwanda as well as indulged in other tourist attractions in the country such as the chimpanzees. “The installation of trash bins and the ban on plastic bags should be adopted by all African countries like you got it here. It will be fantastic if the whole continent draws that lesson from Rwanda,” Janique added. Joyce Sang from Kenya and Thina Mananyetso from South Africa also shared their positive experiences of Rwanda, highlighting the cleanliness of the area in and around Lake Kivu and the friendliness of the people they encountered. “I really enjoyed the water; it’s beautiful and it’s clean,” said Mananyetso. “Both cities [Kigali and Rubavu] are so clean, people are very friendly. They are beautiful! Iroman was an opportunity to visit Rwanda, and here we are.” Athletes from Japan, Kenya, and Uzbekistan who spoke to The New Times echoed similar sentiments, expressing their intention to extend their stay in Kigali to further explore the country’s attractions before they fly back home. “It’s really a beautiful place to visit,” said Aleksandr Lazarev, who used to read more about Rwanda on Wikipedia. “It is very clean here; for me, it’s abnormal. So, I will share this lesson with my friends.” “I really recommend everyone to come here not for Ironman but for the beauty of the country of a thousand hills. I will come a thousand times,” said Colombian athlete Mauricio Zambrano. “The patriotism you guys have and the respect for everything; all places are clean, so clean. The only country compared to Rwanda is Japan. Kudos to all of you, and keep it up.” According to Governor Lambert Dushimimana of Western Province, the IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda event showcased the natural beauty of Rubavu District and Rwanda’s ability to organize world-class events. He said: We are thrilled to see the growth of the IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda and the enthusiastic participation from both Rwandan and international athletes. “This event not only highlights the natural beauty of Rubavu District but also showcases Rwanda's capacity to host world class sporting events.”

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Ironman 70.3: First-time visitors impressed by Rwanda's safety, cleanness