Second IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda Triathlon to take place in Rubavu on 5 August

IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda triathlon announced the second edition of the race slated to take place on 5 August 2023 in Rubavu District.

This year’s race is organized by Global Events Africa, the license holder and organiser of the IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda, together with partners including Visit Rwanda, Ministry of Sports, the District of Rubavu, Rwanda Convention Bureau, Rwanda Chamber of Tourism and Cheetah Energy Drink (a product of Bralirwa).

Athletes participating in IRONMAN® 70.3® Rwanda will take on a 1.9km swim course at the waterfront of Lake Kivu, a 90km bike course, and lastly a multi-lap 21.1km run course that spans the shoreline of Lake Kivu. The “70.3” refers to the total distance in miles covered in the triathlon.

The IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda 2023 follows a successful inaugural 2022 race that took top honors in Overall Satisfaction to be awarded the Overall Best Race at the IRONMAN® and IRONMAN® 70.3® Athletes’ Choice Awards, highlighting the highest-scoring events in a variety of categories based on athlete surveys from all the 2022 IRONMAN® and IRONMAN® 70.3® races from around the world.

This was further testament of Rwanda’s ability to successfully host a diversity of international sports events and in particular, Rubavu District’s destination readiness to host international sports events of this caliber.

During a press to unveil the 2023 race week program with its event partners, Acting Mayor, Rubavu District, Deogratias Nzabonimpa said: “We do not take it for granted that we are hosting this event for the second time. We are ready to welcome all participants again to our district and hope everyone enjoys the fun activities planned out on the day of the race.”

On behalf of Visit Rwanda, IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda’s Premium Partner, Ariella Kageruka, Head of Tourism and Conservation, said: “We are thrilled to welcome all athletes and fans to Rwanda, in a couple of days, for the second edition of the IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda, taking place in Rubavu. The race promises to be full of excitement as participants will race along the scenic Lake Kivu waterfront. Together with the private sector, Rwanda is ready to welcome everyone for memorable experiences.”

Bonita Mutoni, Director, Global Events Africa, said: “Rwanda offers a variety of host cities like Rubavu, with a population and infrastructure that are more than capable to support international sport events of this magnitude. In terms of capacity and national development with regard to the IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda. We look forward to welcoming all athletes and fans to participate in the race and explore Rwanda’s tourist attractions.”

Zephanie Niyonkuru, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Sports has said: “Events like IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda bring exposure to local athletes because it is an international event, a platform that allows participants to showcase their talents. Based on the preparations and performances of the 20 Rwandan athletes in past competitions, we also hope to qualify for the 2024 World Championship.”

The 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda offers 30 Age Group Qualifying slots to the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship on 14 & 15 December 2024 in Taupō, New Zealand and is the perfect destination triathlon for the endurance sports fanatic looking for a remarkable adventure.

The IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda 2023 is organized by Global Events Africa and Visit Rwanda and sponsored by Cheetah Energy Drink (A product of Bralirwa), Inyange Water, Purifayaa, Winnaz A product of Hollanda Food Farms) and supported by Ministry of Sports, the District of Rubavu, Rwanda Convention Bureau, Rwanda Chamber of Tourism, Rwanda Triathlon Federation.

IRONMAN® Triathlon Series is the world’s premier full-distance and half- distance triathlon series consisting of over 150 qualifying races in 50+ countries, regions and territories across the world.  The IRONMAN Group is the largest operator of mass participation sports in the world and provides more than a million participants annually the benefits of endurance sports through the company’s vast offerings.

Global Events Africa (GEA) is an Experiential and Destination Marketing Agency with headquarters in Rwanda, which holds the license of the IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda.

GEA is at the fore-front of women led enterprises championing inclusivity of youth and women in sports through investing in and promoting in sporting events like the IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda that are not only positioning Rwanda as a unique destination for sporting events but also bridging the technical skills gaps of the sporting industry in Rwanda. (End)