Athletics season kicks off with National Over Distance meet at Namboole
The competition marks the first athletics event to be staged at Namboole this year and signals the start of the track and field season.
Female sprinters taking in a national athletics trial
Events: 150m, 300m, 600m, 1000m, 2 miles, long jump and shot put
The second national event on the Uganda Athletics calendar, the National over Distance, is set for this Saturday, February 2026, at the Namboole National Stadium.
The competition marks the first athletics event to be staged at Namboole this year and signals the start of the track and field season. Traditionally, the Over Distance meet is used to test athletes’ endurance levels before they shift focus to building speed as the season progresses.
The event features a range of track and field disciplines including 150m, 300m, 600m, 1000m, two miles, long jump and shot put. The selected distances are designed to push athletes beyond their usual race limits as part of endurance training.
For instance, a 400m runner will compete in the 600m, while a 100m sprinter steps up to the 150m. Likewise, 200m athletes will take part in the 300m. The strategy is aimed at strengthening stamina and assessing fitness levels ahead of more competitive meets.
Uganda Athletics publicity secretary Abdallah Muhammed says the event plays a crucial role in preparing athletes for upcoming competitions, particularly the national trials.
“It is important for both managers and athletes. It helps coaches to find out how athletes are responding to endurance building and later focus on speed,” Muhammed explained.
The meet serves as a build-up to the first national trial scheduled for March 14. Performances at Namboole will give coaches an opportunity to evaluate progress and fine-tune preparations.
On the same day, Uganda Athletics will also hold its annual general assembly, bringing together administrators and stakeholders to discuss the federation’s plans and activities for the year.