Rwanda is counting days to host IRONMAN 70.3 Rubavu second edition which will held On 5th August 2023.
This competition is one of a Triathlon games that combines Cycling, Runing and Swimming, which is expected to open the doors to the World Championship.
On this Tuesday, July 25, 2023, the Ministry of Sports, Rubavu District, the National Development Department [RDB] and Global Events Africa, which organizes IRONMAN 70.3 Rubavu, adress to the media about the preparations for this competition.
The CEO of Global Events Africa, Bonita Mutoni, said that Rwanda is ready to benefit a lot from hosting this it.
She said, “We are planning another international competition because the one we did before was very good. About 400 people got jobs during this period. To host it allows foreigners to know the beauty of Rwanda and its Culture and to understand it better.”
“Top players across the World want to come to this tournament and from within the country, Rwandans are invited to watch and visit the best of Rwanda.” She added
The president of the Rwanda Triathlon Federation, Mbaraga Alex, said that the best output from this competition provides the opportunity to host the World Championship in the coming years and there is confidence.
He said, “For the first Edition we worked hand in hand with different institutions and we had a good competition. Now it should be an advantage because we want to host the World Championship and it will be possible because all the sponsors are supporting us. We have submitted our request and we believe in it.”
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Niyonkuru Zephanie, emphasized that the development of this game has a role in the economy of the country and in sports in particular.
He said, “It is a very beneficial activity for our sport. Apart from the fact that it shows that Rwanda is on the right track to be the host of the various sports, we are proud that it provides jobs for Rwandans because it generates a lot of income and the country’s investment in all areas.”
The District of Rubavu is one of the rich in natural beauty that attracts tourists to go there mainly because of its location that allows it to work on Lake Kivu where people can go out and have parting. Said acting Mayor of Rubavu District, Deogratias Nzabonimpa
The Head of Tourism and Conservation DepartmentRwanda Development Board (RDB), Ariella Kageruka, said that the preparations are at a satisfactory level so that the tournament will be in good shape.
“With Rwandans, we are ready to host this tournament. It will hire private individuals who are ready to welcome visitors to the attractions. What we want is to leave a memory of Rwanda to all who will participate in this competition.” She said
The participants of IRONMAN 70.3 Rubavu tournament will compte 90 Kilometers by Bicycle, 21.1 Kilometers by Runing and 1.9 Kilometers by swim in Kivu.
Cycling itinerary: Kivu Beach-Gorilla Hotel- ku Karere Ka Rubavu- Merez junction- Tam Tam- Marine Army hdq- Brasserie- Kigufi- Gaz Methane (Turning point) (x4).
Runing itinerary: Kivu Beach – Gorilla Hotel – Nyanja- Grande Barrière – La Corniche – CSS- Pariquet- RRA (Turning Point) (x3).
So far, more than 300 athletes have registered to participate in IRONMAN 70.3 Rubavu, including 60 Rwandans.
Russian Ilya Slepov won last year’s IRONMAN 70.3 while the Cercle Sportif de Karongi team consisting of Ngendahayo Jeremy, Bigoyiki Eliezer and Muhayimana Japhet took it as a team.
Rwanda has been allowed to host this tournament three times in a row, having host two of the five that have been held on the African continent.
