Everything has been put in place to ensure that the forthcoming maiden Ironman 70.3 Triathlon race becomes a success, organisers have said.

Organised locally by Global Events, the highly-anticipated race, slated for August 14 in Rubavu District, Western Province, is one of a series of long distance triathlon races organised by the World Triathlon Corporation.

"We invite people, not just in Rwanda but in the region to come and participate. We hope athletes come to Rubavu not just to participate in the race but to also be able to enjoy the destination further with their family members,” said Bonita Mutoni, the CEO of Global Events.

An estimated 200 athletes, including five Rwandans, have so far confirmed their participation for the Inaugural Ironman 70.3 Triathlon race, a number which is far less than the targeted 2000 that was expected when Ironman Group officially added Rwanda on the 2022 race calendar of the Ironman 70.3 Triathlon. 

Michel Murame, the race director, told journalists that the fact that not so many people know that the race is going to happen for the first time in Rwanda has affected the number of athletes who registered to participate.

"The number is still small compared to the target and it is normal that few people come to such events when they happen for the first time. We are doing our best to mobilise people to register and come to participate and we hope to have at least 500 athletes before the deadline,” Murame explained.

"We hope more Rwandans register and participate and use the opportunity to exchange experiences with other athletes coming from different parts of the globe,” he added.

To ensure that more athletes come to the event, registration has been pushed to August 4, 10 days before the race kick off to give more people a chance not to miss out.

Murame said that everything is set to ensure the race becomes a successful one, including the itinerary from which athletes will be competing from swimming and cycling to athletics.