Florence Niyonkuru of Sina Gerard Athletic Club and Noel Hitimana of APR Athletic Club emerged victorious in the senior women’s and men’s categories, respectively, at the 2025 National Cross-Country Championships on Saturday, January 18. The event, held at IPRC-Kigali, served as a pre-selection for the athletes who will represent Rwanda at the 2026 World Cross-Country Championships in Florida, USA. The championship brought together 398 participants from some of Rwanda’s top athletics clubs, including APR Athletics Club, Police Athletics Club, UR Huye College Athletics Club, and Sina Gerard Athletics Club. In the senior men's 10km race, Hitimana won with an impressive time of 31 minutes, 23 seconds, and 72 milliseconds. He narrowly outpaced Jean Claude Nsabimana from Sina Gerard Athletic Club, who clocked 31 minutes, 28 seconds, and 72 milliseconds, while Emmanuel Mutabazi, also of Sina Gerard Athletic Club, finished third in 31 minutes, 38 seconds, and 22 milliseconds. The senior women’s 10km race was dominated by Florence Niyonkuru of Sina Gerard Athletic Club, finishing in 35 minutes, 4 seconds, and 93 milliseconds. Her teammate Emeline Imanizabayo followed with 36 minutes and 1 second, securing second place, while Jeanne Gentille Uwizeyimana of Police Athletics Club claimed third with a time of 36 minutes, 18 seconds, and 58 milliseconds. ALSO READ: Athletics body needs to bank on national championships to groom next generation Sina Gerard Athletic Club continued their stellar performance in the junior and youth categories. In the 8km junior boys’ race, Christia Anoshatige led a clean sweep for the club, completing the race in 26 minutes, 51 seconds, and 38 milliseconds. Adrien Niyigena (26:52:50) and Olivier Niyonsenga (26:59:57) followed in second and third places, respectively. The 6km junior women’s race also showcased Sina Gerard’s dominance, with Claire Uwitonze clinching first place in 21 minutes, 44 seconds, and 45 milliseconds, while teammates Sandrine Niyomugenga (22:37:91) and Pelagie Ineza (22:47:21) rounded out the podium. In the youth (U18) categories, Justin Iradukunda clocked 20 minutes, 55 seconds, and 54 milliseconds to win the boys’ 6km race, and Jeanne d’Arc Nyiambarushimana led the girls’ 4km race, finishing in 15 minutes, 49 seconds, and 67 milliseconds. Sina Gerard Athletic Club solidified their position as a powerhouse, winning the senior women’s 10km with 16 points, the junior boys’ 8km with 11 points, and both youth boys’ and girls’ categories with 10 points each. APR Athletic Club triumphed in the senior men’s 10km team race with 17 points, ahead of Police Athletics Club and Sina Gerard Athletic Club. ALSO READ: Police, Sina clubs dominate 2024 national track and field series Coach Aniseth Kanyabugoyi of Sina Gerard Athletic Club attributed the success to relentless preparation and support from their management. Our victory reflects how well-prepared we are. I thank the executive committee of our team, especially Dr. Sina Gerard, for his unwavering support and encouragement,” he said. Noel Hitimana, the senior men’s champion, credited his determination for his victory. Clocking 31:23:72 against strong opponents proves my readiness for the next level. This win inspires me to aim higher and work harder, he noted. Florence Niyonkuru, the senior women’s champion, reflected on her perseverance. This is proof that hard work and resilience lead to success. My focus now is to represent Rwanda on the global stage, she noted.