Akampa’s personal best fuels World University Games ambitions

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UAF Second National Trials (10,000m Men)

Abel Chebet 28:36.8

Seth Akampa 29:01.8

L. Chebet 29:03.9

Long-distance runner Seth Akampa has set ambitious targets as he prepares for the World University Games in Germany this July.

The promising athlete secured second place in the second Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) trial at Namboole on Saturday, finishing over a minute behind race winner Abel Chebet as he continues his quest for World Athletics Championships qualification.

Representing Kigezi High Altitude Athletics Club (KHAAC), Akampa clocked 29:01.8, marking a personal best. However, he remains focused on improvement, acknowledging that his time is still short of the required qualification standard.

“My time was encouraging, though not yet good enough because when you compare it with the world record and the national standard, I still have a lot to improve. I can’t settle for this just because it’s my personal best. Instead, I will push harder and try to hit the mark in the fourth trial in April,” Akampa said.

His coach, Gordon Ahimbisibwe, was pleased with his performance, calling it a positive step toward meeting the qualification mark for the World Championships.

“I am impressed with his performance in the trials, and I am confident he can improve further to achieve the qualification time,” Ahimbisibwe said.

Despite the demands of his studies as a fourth-year law student at Bishop Stuart University (BSU), Akampa has scheduled further trials to fine-tune his performance. He plans to compete in the UAF fourth trial in April, the sixth trial in May, and the Akii-Bua Memorial Invitational Challenge, all ahead of the FISU Summer World University Games set for July 21-27 in Berlin.

“I am grateful to UAF for organising these trial events, which help us assess our progress, identify weaknesses, and plan better. Coach Ahimbisibwe (Gordon) and Kiwa (Faustino), along with Dr Ngategize, have been instrumental in my progress, and I am confident I will make the mark for the world meet,” he added.

Akampa is now considering whether to participate in the upcoming South Western Championships and the Rwamuhanda-Ruguuga Memorial Run, both scheduled for next month.