Peace Marathon

Johnson spoke to Rwanda’s sole Sports Magazine on the preparation of the Peace Marathon, to be held in May and the relationship so far with the Ministry of Sports and culture

S.M: The international Peace Marathon has over the years gained AMIS standards. Has that improved the quality of the race too?

Johnson-Yes we are members of AMIS and the event will look different especially the current year, the event is going to be so special. It will attract 5000 runners, from various countries, of all continents but with the majority being Rwandans.

SM: This May you will be organizing another edition. What edition will that be and athletes are coming from where?

Johnson:  The May 19^th edition will be the 9^th. For the previous years, the marathon has attracted various athletes from various countries from all corners of the world. Athletes for the 9^th edition will come from all continents and the majority has already confirmed their participation. We are inviting various countries and more specifically all in the East African Region.

SM: The Peace Marathon attracts thousands of athletes in the three main categories-the full, the half and the 5Km races. Who is going to the role model?

Johnson: The main event will be the marathon but this will be supplemented by other races including the half marathon, the 5km run for fun and the kids’ race that will be held on 18^th afternoon. All these events will be built on the provincial races that are going to be held prior to the marathon on 19^th. We are lighting  a torch as a sign of peace and this torch will be moved in all provinces of Rwanda and finally be brought to Kigali city where the main event (Marathon will be staged.

SM: The Ministry of Sports and Culture, RAF and SOROPTIMIST International are the main sponsors of the event. Any other stakeholders in this race?

Johnson: In the first place The Ministry is our partner in preparing the event and our main sponsor. And we do really thank the Ministry of Sports and culture for a relationship in order to achieve the federation’s mission. We expect a number of Sponsorship from other institutions as the days go on.  Some private enterprises have already approached us for a potential sponsorship partnership and we have marketing company MPRESS Africa that is working to solicit funds on our behalf. I guess this a big step ahead.

SM: Kenyans have on most happenings won the international race in Kigali followed by Rwandans and other foreign athletes. Expecting any champions from the national team or Britain, US on this up and down hill winding good tarmac?

Johnson: Yes Kenyans are good and that’s why they have been competitively winning the top prizes in the Kigali International Peace Marathon. However, for this 9^th edition, it will be a different story. Our athletes are good and have been training hard to compete with rest of the regional athletes who are the best in the world. Some top athletes from other Continents will also participate and will compete to win the prizes.

SM: When is the registration for the Kigali International Peace Marathon starting?

Johnson: Registration has started and those who wish to register can either do it on line, or come at the federation’s office and be registered. Other participants wishing to register will be informed soon where to go especially those in different districts of Rwanda.