Chebet dominates 10,000m at second national trials

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The race to qualify for the World Athletics Championships is firmly on as the best local athletes took to Namboole Stadium for the second National Athletics Trials on Saturday.

Abel Chebet of Uganda Police won the men’s 10,000m by obliterating the competition and was happy with his performance.

“First of all, I was preparing for the Jinja Half Marathon but I got an emergency call for me to represent the country at the mountain race in Cameroon. When I came back, I prepared for this trial and I am happy I won,” said Chebet.

He was by far the best performing male as he finished ahead of Seth Akampa who finished second. He admitted to feeling good during the race which is a positive as he prepares for a long season ahead.

“I feel that my body is finally catching up but I would have hoped that there was someone to have pushed me for some seconds. But otherwise, I felt okay with the way I ran,” admitted Chebet.

He was in a class of his own but he will have to do more to qualify for the world championships alone.

“For this season, I am now trying to qualify for the World Championships. That is why I am trying to push my body to catch up.”

Many other races took place at Namboole including the women’s 400m that was won by Shida Leni. The women’s 5000m was won by Esther Chebet and the athletes are clearly looking much better than at the First Trials. 

The next trial is expected to take place on March 29.