All set for Kigali marathon

CategoriesFull Marathon - 42 kmHalf Marathon - 21KmTeam relay - 4*10.5km Over 2500 athletics that include 400 Rwandans are expected to take part in the 7th edition of the Kigali International Marathon, which gets underway this morning. The Secretary General of the national athletics federation, Constantine Twajamahoro told Sunday Sport yesterday that over 17 countries which include Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Luxembourg, Italy, and France have confirmed their participation. Others, he said are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, Sweden, USA among others. “We expect a very competitive race because of the high number of people who have registered. Last year’s winners will also take part,” Twajamahoro said. Rwanda’s hopes of getting medals will be led by two-time Olympian Epiphanie Nyirabarame, Sylvain Rukundo, Gervais Nizeyimana and Godfrey Rutayisire. This year’s race will cost the athletics federation Frw50m, the bulk of which will come from the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Culture. Similar to last year, the full marathon and half marathon winners will pocket $2500 (Rwf1.5m) respectively while the tenth athlete in each category will settle for $200 (Rwf120, 000). Last year, Rashid Safari emerged as Rwanda’s best athlete after clocking 2 hours, 32 minutes and 45 seconds to finish 9th. Peter Limo of Kenya claimed the marathon in 2:19:44. Divina Jepkogei won the women’s category. The marathon is divided into five categories; full marathon (42km), half marathon (21km), 10.54km marathon team relays, 5km course for children and 5km run for fun race. Ends