2017 IAAF: Host Kampala puts final touches

Mar 01, 2017

As Kampala readies to host the 2017 IAAF World Cross Country Championships later this month, it's time for final touches at Kololo, the venue.

2017 IAAF WORLD CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS IN KAMPALA

  • Kampala to host the 2017 edition
  • World event is on March 26
  • 66 nations have confirmed participation
  • Number of races: four

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As the day (March 26) draws ever nearer, Kampala is putting finishing touches to the venue, Kololo Independence Grounds.

Workers have been busy putting grass over the tarmac surface.

The IAAF World Cross Country Championships is the most important competition in international cross country running.

 

Having started in 1973, it was an annual competition until 2011, when the IAAF, the organiser, changed it to a biennial event, meaning it has since been held every other year.

 

It is the first time Uganda is hosting the event. The last African nation to host the competition was Kenya in 2007 for the 35th edition.

 

Kampala took the baton from Guiyang (China) who hosted the last championships in 2015.

 

Only three other African nations have hosted the event: Morocco (1975, 1998), South Africa (1996), Kenya (2007).

 

With as many 66 nations expected to participate this year, the 28th edition hosted by Portugal in 2000 stands out as the year with the highest number of participating countries (76).

 

There will be four races for athletes, male and female, to participate in.

 

The distances include the 10km (Senior men), 8km (Junior men), 10km (Senior women) and 6km (Junior womec

 

The Ugandan team is currently camped in Kapchorwa for training

 

It is understood Australia and Canada will be the first teams to arrive in the country ahead of the competition. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Essam El Hadary
Australia,Canada to arrive first for World Cross Country - See more at: http://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1447361/australia-canada-arrive-world-cross-country#sthash.FWFubSjG.dpuf

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