Long-distance runners Emmanuel Mutabazi and Adeline Musabyeyezu struck gold to win Sunday’s Bugesera 20km race in men and women categories respectively. Organised by Gasore Serge Foundation in partnership with Bugesera District, the multi-category race takes place annually under the theme ‘Run to Restore’ not only to reflect on rebuilding the district but also in virtue of widespread effort to transmit the importance of sports in unity and reconciliation as the country marks 29th liberation anniversary. We usually organise this race to celebrate liberation and also deliver some message. For this year's theme, sanitation and hygiene as well as fighting against drug abuse are at the heart of our focus,” said Bugesera District Mayor Richard Mutabazi prior to the race kickoff. Athletes who took part in the 2023 edition competed in various categories, men and women, including 20 km for elites, 8km for juniors and 5km for the ‘run for fun’ in athletics as well as 40km in cycling. In athletics, Mutabazi was the first to cross the finish line at La Palisse Hotel Nyamata to win the men’s 20km race after 56 minutes and 39 seconds. The Police Athletics club ace crossed the finish line 47 seconds ahead of APR Athletics Club’s Jean Claude Nsabimana who emerged second while Gilbert Dushimirimana emerged third after covering the same distance in 58 minutes and 14 seconds. Meanwhile, Musabyeyezu, who plays for APR Athletics club, covered the same distance (20km) in one hour and one minute (01h01’) to strike gold in women’s category. Gentille Uwizeyimana, who plays for Police Athletics Club, emerged second to strike silver after clocking 1h03’ while pre-race favorite Marthe Yankurije of Rwamagana Athletics Club emerged third. The top three winners in the 20km category pocketed cash prizes where the overall winners took home Rwf200,000 while the silver and bronze medalists took home Rwf150,000 and Rwf100,000 respectively. Claude Twizerimana of Bugesera Athletics Club and Claire Uwiringiyimana of Rwamagana Athletics Club won the Juniors race (8km) in men and women’s categories respectively. ALSO READ: 1,500 athletes confirmed for Bugesera 20 km race In cycling, Emelyne Umunezero covered the distance of 40km in 1hour and 25 minutes to strike gold, crossing the finish line just one second ahead of second-placed Liliane Uwimbabazi while Grace Nyambere also made it to the women’s podium in the third place. Umurenge Kagame Cup 2023 cycling champion Elissa Manirumva won the men’s cycling race after covering 40km in 1hour and 6 minutes. He finished at the top of the peloton, two minutes and 45 seconds ahead of first runner-up Elie Ndayishimiye while Furaha Twizere emerged third. The top winners in cycling category were also awarded. The gold medalists pocketed Rwf130,000 while the silver and bronze winners took home Rwf100,000 and Rwf80,000 respectively. Each of them was also given a 6kg gas cylinder. Elsewhere, Emmanuel Hakizimana won the wheelchair cycling race after covering 3km in 10 minutes and 6 minutes, seven seconds ahead of second-placed Ernest Ndayishimiye while Ernest Ndayishimiye completed the top three podium after clocking 10 minutes and 46 seconds. The wheelchair cycling race winner was awarded a cash prize of Rwf80,000 while the second and third finalists were given Rwf70,000 and Rwf60,000 respectively. In this category, Claude Ntamahungiro, who spent 10 years in hospital undergoing treatment from a fatal accident, was given a special recognition of a wheelchair.
