Rwanda long distance runner Noel Hitimana has upped preparations ahead of forthcoming 15th edition of Semi-Marathon International de Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo. The one-day annual event is scheduled for August 14th. The 2018 Kigali International Peace Half Marathon winner has been training at the Iten High Altitude Center located in Eldoret, Kenya since May following his heroics in Kigali and is eyeing gold in Brazzaville as he revealed to Times Sport in an exclusive interview on Sunday. “I started training here almost a year ago, then I returned to Kigali for Peace Marathon in May before coming back here in Kenya last month to continue training ahead of the Brazzaville Half Marathon,” the 28-year old APR athletic Club runner said. Hitimana will be aiming to become the fourth Rwandan athlete to clinch a medal at the annual event after Eric Sebahire who won a bronze medal in 2016 plus Felicien Muhitira and John Hakizimana who took gold and bronze medals respectively last year. “I am targeting a gold medal, but, if it doesn’t come through, I will fight for the remaining two podium slots,” he vowed. Last year, 22-year old middle and long distance runner Muhitira won the half marathon in Brazzaville after using 1 hour, 4 minutes and 31 seconds. Compatriot Hakizimana took bronze in 1:08:17, nine seconds behind silver medalist Wilson Kipotich of Kenya. The Italy-based Muhitira became the first Rwandan to win the annual competition, which had been dominated by Kenyans in the previous editions. Meanwhile, by the gold medal in Kigali International Peace Marathon, Hitimana stamped his mark among Rwandan greats in the glamorous event, one of the only three Rwandans to do so since the event’s inception thirteen years ago. Legendary Dieudonné Disi became the first Rwandan to win the highly coveted accolade in 2006, a record he would hold for eleven years until youngster Salomé Nyirarukundo claimed the half-marathon event in women’s category last year before retaining the crown this year. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
