KIGALI, Mar. 27 -- A group of five runners including one woman have left Kigali for China where they are expected to compete in the 41st World Cross Country Championship slated for March 28 in Guiyang, China, Sports revealed Friday in Kigali.

The event is among the major highlights in the International Association of Athletics Federation's (IAAF) calendar for this year.

It is said that the team's departure, which had been scheduled for Thursday night, was delayed due to flight logistics.

The Rwandan team includes Clementine Mukandanga, Eric Sebahire, Potien Ntawuyirushintege, Felicien Muhitira, and Jean Marie Vianey Uwajeneza.

Mukandanga, the only female of the team, said she is looking forward to a successful debut at the world stage.

"I am excited about joining the athletics family at international level, and I am confident that this will be a good fit in my performance," she said.