Kajuga returns to action, eyes Peace Marathon

Olympian Robert Kajuga is set to make a return to competitive athletics for the first time since August 2013 when he competes at the upcoming Kigali International Peace Marathon set for May 24. The 30-year-old has been out of action for 22 months following a career threatening Achilles heel injury at the 2013 World Athletics Championships in Moscow, Russia. Kajuga, who is currently training in Gicumbi, a high altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level, believes that his preparations which he commenced in February will give him an edge in the half marathon. “I am excited to be coming back to competitive athletics and my current preparations could see me register a good performance at the Peace Marathon,” explained Kajuga. However, Kajuga is quick to note that it will not be easy since he is returning after almost two years absence and that such a setback could be evident against an expected strong field of elite runners from neighbouring giants Kenya and Uganda. The long distance runner who finished 14th at the London 2012 Olympics in the men’s 10,000m is keen on making a comeback in time for the All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville as well as qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympics in Brazil. Meanwhile, up to 1000 people have already registered for the annual event and the winner of the full Marathon will get Rfw1.6m ($2,300) while the top runner in the half marathon will get Rfw1m ($1,440) for both men and women categories. The event will have the full marathon of 42km, half marathon of 21km and ‘Run for Fun’ of 5km with all categories starting and ending at Amahoro stadium. The annual event is organized to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi through peace and reconciliation and this year’s edition will attract athletes from within the country, neighbouring countries like Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania and as far as Europe and USA. The event is sponsored by the Ministry of Sports and Culture, MTN, World Vision, RDB, Hotel des Milles Collines, Skol, UAE Exchange, Right to Play, Manufacturers Industries, Hello Food, Akagera Aviation, Rwanda Military Hospital, Assurance and Drop Water. editorial@newtimes.co.rw