RWANDA will be represented by four athletes at the 2018 edition of the annual International Rotary Dar Marathon race that takes place today in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The selected athletes include; half marathon winner at this year’s Kigali Peace Marathon, Noel Hitimana and APR Athletics Club teammate Martha Yankurije. The latter is last year’s 20km de Bugesera race winner. The two are joined by Alexis Nizeyimana who is set to defend the title he won last year, and Thomas Dushimumukiza who represented Rwanda at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil. Speaking to Sunday Sport from Tanzania on Saturday, Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF) president, Fidele Mubiligi, said that the four were selected based on their recent performances and fitness at club level. “We have confidence in all our four representatives in Dar, they were selected based on their performances in different events this year and their current form. Nizeyimana and Yankurije will race in the full marathon while the other two will compete in half marathon.” he noted. He further added that, “The goal is to win gold. Last year, Nizeyimana claimed it and we are confident we can do it again.” From its humble beginnings in 2009, as a charity walk with 700 participants, the Rotary Dar Marathon has now grown into one of the largest athletics events in the region. Last year, over 14,000 walkers, runners and cyclists came together for the event and the turn up is expected to surpass that number this year. This year’s Rotary Dar Marathon includes a 5 km walk, 9 km walk, and a 21.1 km half marathon, 42.2 km full marathon. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
