Police issue travel advisory ahead of Nyungwe marathon #rwanda #RwOT

The advisory warns of traffic disruptions during the two-day event. 'On March 7, the marathon will kick off with an overnight run known as "The Double Double," starting at 8:30 PM and continuing until morning. On March 8, the road will remain busy from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM as runners compete in various categories,' the advisory reads.

To minimize inconvenience, police are advising motorists to avoid the RN6 road and instead use the Muhanga-Karongi-Nyamasheke-Rusizi route during these hours. "We encourage the public to plan ahead and use alternative routes to avoid delays," the statement stated.

Police officers will be deployed along the marathon route to direct traffic and assist road users. Authorities are calling for cooperation to ensure the safety of both participants and motorists. "Our priority is to facilitate a smooth flow of traffic while ensuring the marathon proceeds without incident," police emphasized.

The Nyungwe Marathon is an annual event that has grown in popularity since its launch in 2012 with just 15 participants. Known for its simplicity, the marathon does not award trophies or track times. Instead, it focuses on the experience of running through the breathtaking landscapes of Nyungwe National Park.

Eric Pohlman, the marathon's founder, highlighted the event's unique spirit. "Every year, more people join us after hearing how memorable it is to run between Nyungwe's tall green trees and beneath its true blue sky," he said.

This year's marathon features a variety of categories to accommodate different levels of endurance. The most demanding event, "The Double Double," spans 106 kilometers and is expected to take approximately 14 hours.

It begins at the West Gate (Kamembe side entrance) and ends 400 meters past the park's western exit near the RDB visitor center.

The Full Marathon, covering 53 kilometers, starts at the East Gate (Kigali side entrance) and follows the same finish line. The Half Marathon covers 22 kilometers, beginning at the intersection with the road south to Burundi, while the Half Half Marathon is an 11-kilometer run starting near the Bird Lookout Platform.

Cycling enthusiasts are also included in the event. The Half Century Cycle, covering 53.5 kilometers, begins at the Kibati Entrance on the park's east side. The Full Century Cycle, spanning 107 kilometers, starts and ends near the RDB visitor center on the western side of the park.

In addition to the races, the marathon offers an opportunity to engage with the local community. Participants are encouraged to meet local entrepreneurs who employ community members.

With police ensuring traffic management and the marathon team preparing for a smooth event, organizers are encouraging the public to plan accordingly and follow all traffic guidelines.