340 athletes set for Tororo Cross-Country Championship

The first leg of the national cross-country championship in Tororo promises to be more competitive and thrilling than ever.

The one-day event will bring together top athletes from all regions that have held their trials, as the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) marks 100 years of existence and achievements.

Regional cross-country events have already been held in the eastern region, Kabale, Kabarole, and Arua, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown.

Tororo district will host the 31st edition of the National Cross-Country Championship at Tororo Golf Course. This will be the seventh time the event takes place in Tororo.

The championship was first held in Kakira in 1995 before moving to Jinja’s Mayor's Garden, where it ran for six years.

Over the years, the event has also been hosted in Amuria, Kasese, Kabarole, Kapchorwa, Arua, Kanungu, Entebbe, Soroti, Sironko, and Kampala—at both Kyambogo and Kololo, the latter hosting it in 2017.

“We expect good competition, and this event will help us identify more talents for our international competitions,” Uganda Athletics Federation president Dominic Otucet said.

Otucet also revealed that this year will feature two national cross-country championships, with the second likely to be held in November as part of the national team selection process.

Last year’s champions, Jacob Kiplimo and Rachael Zena Chebet, are expected to participate in this year’s event.

Athletes will compete for cash prizes and other rewards, courtesy of UAF and Lactic Sports.