Police and Sina Gerard Athletics Clubs led the medal table at the 2024 National Track and Field Series after producing standout performing athletes in various events. Amahoro Stadium was against turned into the home of athletics as the Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF) hosted the annual athletics championship on Saturday, November 23 attracting 1,117 athletes from 12 athletic clubs nationwide. Participants represented teams such as APR, Police, Sina Gerard, GS St Aloys, Nyaruguru, Rutsiro, Nyamasheke, Huye, Kinyinya, Kavumu and Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle (VJN) competing across men’s, women’s, and youth categories. APR ace Magnifique Umutesi Uwase delivered arguably the most exceptional performance in the championship where she struck three gold medals in the women's 100m, 200m, and 400m sprints. She dominated the 100m race with a time of 12.13 seconds, the 200m in 25.32 seconds, and the 400m in 54.75 seconds. In the men’s category, Police Athletics Club's Justin Nsengiyumva triumphed in the 200m sprint, clocking 22.08 seconds, while VJN’s Eric Tuyishime showcased his speed in the 100m race where he clocked 10.67 seconds. In the long-distance events, APR’s Jean Claude Nsabimana won the men’s 10,000m race after using 29:26.88, narrowly edging out Police’s Emmanuel Mutabazi, who ran the same distance in 29:27.77. Mutabazi, however, found redemption in the 5,000m race, clinching gold in 14:23.33 The women’s events saw remarkable performances from Sina Gerard Athletics Club. Florence Niyonkuru struck gold in the 10,000m race which he ran in 35:30.76 while her teammate Emeline Imanizabayo secured gold in the women’s 5,000m, crossing the finish line after 16:59.35. ALSO READ:FEASSSA 2024: Umutesi ‘overwhelmed’ after striking gold In the middle-distance events, Claire Uwitonze from Sina Gerard proved unstoppable, winning both the 1500m and 800m events using 4:13.78 and 2:6.38 respectively. Field events also featured thrilling performances. In the men’s javelin throw, Police’s Emmanuel Twahirwa emerged victorious while Lucie Ufitinema from Sina Gerard claimed first place in long jump, leaping ahead of APR’s Tabitha Niyonsaba and Grace Ingabire. The women’s javelin event saw UR-Huye's Francoise Umwiza dominate with a powerful throw that secured her gold.
