Hitimana Noel is ready to defend the 2019 Kigali Half Marathon title
Reigning champion Noel Hitimana is optimistic on retaining the 2019 half marathon edition of the 15th Kigali International Peace Marathon due on Sunday, June 16, 2019 in Kigali City.
The Kigali International Peace Marathon is expected to attract around 6,000 participants – professionals and amateurs – set to take part in the one-day multi-category competition which involve a ‘Run for Peace’ 10km race that is open to all.
Currently featuring for Italian side Atletica Castello, Hitimana became just the second Rwandan to win gold in the men’s half-marathon after retired long distance and cross-country runner Dieudonné Disi, who became the first local athlete to do so at the 2006 edition.
“I have been preparing intensively for this year’s edition. I am eager to defend and win the half marathon category. It’s going to be one of the toughest hurdles as competition is very stronger this time round,” Hitimana said.
The Kigali Peace Marathon Itinerary
“I am very prepared and ready to contest for this title. I have the support of our federation and fellow athletes, so we will see how it goes on Sunday.”
Last year, APR athletics club runner Noel Hitimana won the men’s category of the half marathon race as he beat Kenyan quartet the winning spot, clocking 01h16:16.
Hiitmana came ahead of Kenya runner Kipsang Kipkemoi who clocked 01h17:01 to win silver and Moses Kingeitch who settled for a bronze medal in 01h17:13.
On Sunday, the Kigali International Peace Marathon will start at at 7:30am from Amahoro stadium via RDB, RDB, Kigali heights, Primature and then back to Amahoro stadium, the 42km full marathon will start at 7:50am from Stade Amahoro-Gishushu-RDB-Nyarutama-Akabuga ka Nyarutarama-Gacuriro-Akabuga ka Nyarutarama- RDB-Hotel Umubano-Kgli Heights-Minijuste- Gishushu-Chez Lando- Stade Amahoro-KIE-Controle Technique and then back to Stade Amahoro while the 10km run for fun will begin at 8:20am resoectively.
Kenyan duo of Kibet Paul Kosjei and Kimaiyo Sally Jemutai hold unbeaten records in Kigali International Peace Marathon in male and female categories after posting 2:14:56 in 2012 and 2:44:02 in 2014 edition respectively.
