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 19th edition will be
the 9th. For the previous years, the marathon has attracted various
athletes from various countries from all corners of the world. Athletes for the
9th 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 18th afternoon. All these events will be built on
the provincial races that are going to be held prior to the marathon on 19th.
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 9th
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.
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