The local athletics federation, RAF will send a team in this year’s edition of Bujumbura international marathon due on December 6 in Burundi, Secretary General Appolinaire Munyangoga has confirmed. “We are planning to send a big contingent to Bujumbura to take part in the international marathon. “We’ve already done the selection, and the final list will be out mid this week before athletes leaving for Bujumbura on Friday,” said Munyangoga. The major objective of the Bujumbura international marathon is to raise awareness and advocate for peace in Burundi. The Burundian President, Pierre Nkurunziza has put his weight behind the event and has invited heads of state of Belgium, Cameroon, Ethiopia, France, Kenya, Monaco, Rwanda, Tanzania, DR Congo, South Africa and Uganda to grace it. The Marathon is divided into four major runs. Three races start and end at the Louis Rwagasore central Stadium in Bujumbura. There will be a full marathon (42km), a half marathon (31 km), an amateur race (5km) and a 1.4km race for children. As part of the ceremonies, the construction of a synthetic athletics track in Bujumbura will be officially launched on the day of the marathon. The track is funded by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). Burundi prominent runners including Venuste Niyongabo, the first and only Olympic gold medalist for Burundi in the 5,000 meters in the 1996 summer Olympics in Atlanta, USA, and Arthemon Hatungimana who won a silver medalist in 800 metres during the 1995 World Championships are expected to lead the host’s assault on the top prize. This race is an equivalent of the Kigali International Peace Marathon which has gained international recognition, and attracts thousands of participants from different parts of the world. Ends
