Rwanda seek redemption in Dar Half marathon

RWANDAN athletes are hoping to salvage the country’s position among the best in the region when they compete in Sunday’s Dar es Salaam Half marathon in Tanzania.The three-man team comprises of Alexis Nizeyimana, Godfrey Rutayisire and Potien Ntawuyirushintege. The team arrived in Dar es Salaam Thursday evening.And in the build-up to the event which is expected to attracted participants from Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Zanzibar and the hosts Tanzania, trainer Jean Pierre Ndacyayisenga said his athletes are up and ready for the challenge. “They have had good preparations and everyone is determined to perform to their best and bring pride to our country,” he told Times Sport.He added, “I don’t think the top athletes will take part but I hope our athletes will do a good job and possibly one of then can get a podium finish. It is important for the country that our athletes do well in these regional competitions.”The Dar es Salaam half marathon comes just a week after Rwanda secured a sixth place at the 20th IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in Kavarna, north-eastern Bulgaria.Robert Kajuga was Team Rwanda’s top finisher, in 12th place, after clocking one hour, two minutes and 22 seconds.Cyriaque Ndayikengurukiye managed a personal best after clocking one hour, four minutes and five seconds to finish 22nd.Jean Marie Vianney Uwajeneza, who was also making his debut, clocked a personal best of one hour, six minutes and seven seconds to finish in 38th position.Sylvain Rukundo finished 53rd to ensure Rwanda finished sixth in team category.

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Rwanda seek redemption in Dar Half marathon