The National athletics team has entered a one month residential training ahead of the 36th IAAF/World Cross Country Championship due in Edinburgh, Scotland on March 30.

The national team left for high altitude training in Ruhengeri, yesterday with an aim of enhancing their training before rubbing shoulders with the World’s best in next month’s cross country event.

The team is composed of sixteen athletes. Adolph Rukenkanya, Eric Karasira and Emmanuel Murenzi are taking the team through drills.

According to the head coach, Rukenkanya the team will undergo intensive residential training before selecting the best and capable athletes who automatically qualify for the 12 national team slots for either both sex categories. 

Rwanda is expected to be represented by two teams, each made up of six males  and six females respectively.

Last year, Rwanda’s male team which was comprised of six athletes had Disi finishing 23rd while Slyvain Rukundo came on 38th position,Gervais Nizeyimana was 53rd, Jean Baptiste Simuceka was 58th,Gervais Hakizimana was 77th and Godfrey Rutayisire finishing 109 respectively.

However, the team will start the residential training without the country’s top stars Dieudonne Disi and Angelline Nyiransabimana.

Disi is preparing half marathon race this week in the United Arab Emirates while Nyiransabimana undergoing training at Eldoret high altitude center in Kenya.
Team in camp

Men:Sylvain Rukundo, Cyriaque Ndayikengurikiye, Jean Baptista Simuceka, Gervais Hakizimana, Felix Ntirenganya, Godfrey Rutayisire, Rashid Safari, Alex Gakwaya .
Women:Adeline Musabyeyezu, Claudette Mukasakindi, Pelagie Musengimana, Genesis Nyirahabimana, Epiphanie Nyirabarame, Esperance Mukarugwiza, Clementine Nyiraguhirwa, Jean D’Arc Mukakigeri .
Ends