The inaugural edition of the IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda was held in Rubavu District with more than 200 athletes at the start line

RUBAVU, RWANDA (August 14, 2022) – This Sunday, Rubavu District welcomed over 200 athletes from 37 different countries from all over the world, including Rwanda, South Africa, United States and Great Britain for the inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda.

The race, a bucket-list experience for many, started at the pier of Lake Kivu with the Mayor of Rubavu, Ildephonse Kambogo, along with the Rwandan Minister of Sports, Ms. Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju and the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, Ms. Clare Akamanzi welcoming all athletes and declaring the race start.

The race included a 1.9 kilometer swim in Lake Kivu, a four-lap bike course and a three-lap 21.1 kilometer run to the finish line.

First out of the water in the individual men’s race was British athlete, Stuart Hayes, shortly followed by South African Donovan Geldenhuys. The first individual Rwandan athlete out of the water was Claude Dusabe, who was hot on the heels of the leaders. The first female athlete out of the water was South African Arina Niyaki followed by Egyptian athlete Khadiga Amin.

First off the bike was Stuart Hayes, followed by Ilya Slepov and Maximilien Von Berg. The women’s race saw Netherland’s Birgit Kramer first off the bike with Arina Niyaki a few minutes behind her.

As the day heated up so did the racing. Taking on the 21.1 kilometer run course, athletes were greeted by cheering spectators all the way to the finish line. Coming over the finish line in first position was Ilya Slepov (04:25:27), second place went to Stuart Hayes (04:26:57) and third place Maximilien went to Von Berg (04:32:53).

Birgit Kramer held onto her lead to take first place, in a time of 05:08:52, followed by Khadiga Amin (05:34:27) and Ka Wai Lee (05:38:58).

In the teams’ category, Rwanda was well represented taking all 3 podium places. The first team over the finish line today was Team M9, second place went to T. R. Beyond and third place to Team Gi.

The winning athletes stand a chance of claiming a slot in the 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, which will take place in Lahti, Finland. Rwanda has 45 slots up for grabs.

The race could not have been possible without the support of partners who included the Rwanda Development Board, RwandAir, Rwanda Ministry of Sports and the District of Rubavu.

For more information about the IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda, please visit www.ironman.com/im703-rwanda