The 2024 National Track and Field Series (Championships) concluded in spectacular fashion on November 23, with Police and Sina Gerard Athletics Clubs dominating in a showcase of talent at Amahoro Stadium. Hosted by the Rwanda Athletics Federation, the championship attracted over 1000 athletes (1,117) from 12 clubs across the country, reinforcing the significant role that these local competitions play in nurturing local athletics. The event was a testament to the high level of competition and commitment among Rwandan athletes, demonstrating that the country can be a force in the running sport. The competition featured athletes from clubs such as APR, Police, Sina Gerard, and Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle (VJN), among others, competing across men’s, women’s, and youth categories. These local platforms are essential for spotting and grooming the next generation of star athletes, forming the bedrock of Rwanda’s reputation in athletics, which has stagnated in the last several years. APR's Magnifique Umutesi Uwase was one of the standout performers of the day, delivering a performance that underscored her status as an athlete with potential to go places, especially if she gets proper training and management. Her triple gold medal achievement in the women’s 100m, 200m, and 400m sprints showcased not only her speed but also her dedication, for, only special talents achieve what she did. Umutesi clocked 12.13 seconds in the 100m, 25.32 seconds in the 200m, and 54.75 seconds in the 400m. The times are the phenomenon but are quite promising. This impressive feat came barely three months after her victory in the girls' 100m at the 2024 FEASSSA regional post-primary schools Games held in Uganda in August, where she defended her 2023 title that she claimed on home soil. Last weekend, Rwanda's long-distance running talent was equally on display, with APR Athletics Club’s Jean Claude Nsabimana edging out Police's Emmanuel Mutabazi in the men’s 10,000m race with a time of 29:26.88. Mutabazi, however, claimed gold in the 5,000m with a strong finish of 14:23:33. The women’s long-distance races also featured standout performances, such as Florence Niyonkuru of Sina Gerard, who won the 10,000m in 35:30:76, and her teammate Emeline Imanizabayo, who triumphed in the 5,000m in 16:59:35. Middle-distance events also delivered moments, particularly from Sina Gerard's Claire Uwitonze, who proved unbeatable in the 1500m and 800m races with times of 4:13:78 and 2:6:38, respectively. Meanwhile, Police’s Emmanuel Twahirwa demonstrated his prowess in the men’s javelin, and Lucie Ufitinema of Sina Gerard won the women’s long jump, ahead of APR’s Tabitha Niyonsaba and Grace Ingabire. ALSO READ: Athletics: Police, Sina clubs dominate 2024 national track and field series These performances are critical for the development of athletics in Rwanda, as they nurture talent that could potentially match or even surpass the achievements of Rwandan greats like Dieudonné Disi, Mathias Ntawulikura and Gervais Hakizimana, late coach of coach of Kenya's world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum. Hakizimana, 36, and Kiptum, 23, died in a car crash at Kaptagat area of Western Kenya in February, while heading to Eldoret. It's through these competitions, including inter-schools, that the next generation of champions will be shaped, providing them with the competitive edge needed for international success. Suffice to say, the more local competitions that Rwandan athletes are involved in, the better they become and more prepared for the international stage. Tour du Rwanda 2025 upon us Looking ahead but in another development, Tour du Rwanda 2025 will add to the excitement of the country’s sporting calendar. The event's presentation, scheduled for Friday, November 29, at Kigali Delight Hotel, will unveil the participating teams, race routes, and sponsors. The Tour du Rwanda, a premier cycling race that has been part of the UCI Africa Tour since 2009, has grown in stature over the years and is now regarded as of the biggest cycling events in on the continent. 2025 promises to be a special year for Rwandan cycling as it marks its historic role as the first African country to host the UCI World Road Championships, elevating the nation's profile on the world stage. Tour du Rwanda will serve as an important stepping stone for local cyclists and offer a platform to showcase their skills ahead of the World Championships scheduled for September. While the 2024 edition of the race saw Great Britain's Joseph Blackmore clinch victory in Israel–Premier Tech’s jersey, Rwandan cyclists will look to rekindle the winning spirit from 2014 to 2018. Samuel Mugisha was the last Rwandan to win the race in 2018 climaxing an era of Rwandan dominance that stretched between Valens Ndayisenga (2014 and 2016), Jean Bosco Nsegimana (2015) and Joseph Areruya (2017). Several years ago, the future of athletics and cycling in Rwanda looked promising, but somehow along the way, that progress has slowed significantly. But hope is not lost, completely, at least. Vibrant local competitions like the National Track and Field Championships and Tour du Rwanda are essential in building a solid foundation, fostering talent, and preparing athletes for the global stage. Furthermore, with events like the Tour du Rwanda and the UCI World Road Championships on the horizon, Rwanda's investment in sports continues to bear fruit, signaling a bright future for the nation’s sporting ambitions. However, the heavy lifting (for everyone involved), from the athletes, administrators at government and federation levels, lays ahead, though. No one can afford to rest on their laurels if Rwanda is to become a true sporting nation and a hub for international sports.
