Rwanda’s France-based long distance runner Eric Mazimpaka will debut in this year’s 29th edition of Caen Marathon de la Liberte slated for June 12 in France’s northwestern city of Caen.

The 33-year-old Mazimpaka, affiliated to Lyon-based club AS Rispoli Villeurbanne since 2010, returned to the country in January and has been undergoing extensive preparations.

"I am in Rwanda basically preparing for the 2016 season, but precisely the forthcoming Caen marathon in June, what I am focusing on now, I have ambition to win it the race so that I qualify to compete at the Olympic Games in Brazil,” said Mazimpaka on Friday.

Mpazimpaka, who is currently training in Kamonyi ranges and Kamonyi-Muhanga high way, revealed that he decided to train in Rwanda after surveying the Courseulles-Sur-Mer (starting point)- Caen Parc Expo (Endpoint) which landscape is similar to Rwanda’s hilly and flat terrain.

He noted: "This will be my first time in this particular competition but I have competed and won other competitions in France and I feel confident to win it given the best altitude I am training in.” 

While in France since 2010, Mazimpaka has won three competitions which include, Miles Interceltiques de Lorient, a 16km race, Trochee pont l’abel half marathon plus Marathon international de Beaujolais, all in 2011.

Dieudonne Disi is the only other Rwandan to have competed in Caen marathon after debuting in 2014 where he won the half-marathon.

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