Africa-Press – Rwanda. Sina Gerard Athletics Club’s Florence Niyonkuru and Felicien Muhitira struck gold medals after winning the 7th edition of the 20km de Bugesera race that took place at Bugesera Stadium on Sunday, June 29.
The three-day event is organized by Bugesera District and its partners as part of reflecting on 100 days of remembrance and celebrating the country’s liberation through sports.
Niyonkuru, who recently won the gold medal in the women’s half marathon at the 2025 Kigali International Peace Marathon, was back on the podium in Bugesera with after running 20 kilometers in 1 hour 11 minutes and 40 seconds. She crossed the finish line 2 minutes and 7 seconds ahead of APR’s Adeline Musabyimana from the APR who emerged in second place while Emelyne Imanizabayo followed to complete the top three.
In the men’s category, Muhitira won the race after using 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 43 seconds. Jean Claude Nsabimana was so close to Muhitira with merely 2 seconds shy of the race winner.
The 20km de Bugesera attracted over 460 athletes across various categories. The athletics event featured 25 women athletes and 141 male runners while younger athletes, with 28 female and 98 male runners, competed in the eight-kilometer race.
Other categories included a 30-kilometer cycling race which brought together seven women cyclists and 74 male participants, a 4-kilometer wheelchair race with one female and seven male competitors, and a 5-kilometer “run for fun” open to all.
In the women’s cycling, Ariane Mugisha claimed the race in 1 hour, 6 minutes, and 34 seconds while Erisa Manirumva clocked 52 minutes and 42 seconds to win the race.
Yvonne Imaragena won the women’s 4km wheelchair cycling while Emmanuel Hakizimana sprinted to victory ahead Erneste Ndayishimiye to strike gold in the men’s wheelchair race in 17 minutes and 14 seconds.
Bugesera District Mayor Richard Mutabazi and State Minister for Sports Rwego Ngarambe were among officials who attended the event which also included exhibitions.
“Thank you very much for this excellent event. We promise our support for this race so that it can achieve international status. We thank you and assure you that we are with you and will be with you again next year,” Rwego said.
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