Today Marvejols-Mende half marathon Rwanda international long distance runner Felicien Muhitira will be seeking to defend his title as he targets to break the current standing seven-year record of the 46th Marvejols-Mende half marathon in France. About 5000 elite athletes from around the world are expected to participate in this year’s edition, which covers a total 22.4 kilometres. Muhitira, 24, is Rwanda’s sole representative at the annual event. He will be making his second consecutive appearance following his triumphant debut last year. The former Nyamasheke Athletics Club runner won gold last year after posting one hour and eleven minutes, beating his closest contender John Lotiang of Kenya who clocked one hour, twelve minutes and five seconds. While talking to Sunday Sport in a telephone interview from France yesterday, Mihitira emphasized that his target is to break the current best record of the French half marathon event. “I feel more confident and fit than I was before last year’s edition. I arrived in France early (Thursday) so I can visit and study the route and I can say I am ready to defend my title and set a new record for the race,” said Muhitira. The current record was set by Kenya’s Luka Kanda during the 39th edition back in 2011 after winning the race with a running time of one hour, 10 minutes and nine seconds. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
