Chelangat, Kiprop triumph at National Cross Country Championships
Kiprop clocked 29:28 minutes, edging out stiff competition from teammate Abel Chebet (29:29) and Harbert Kibet (Bukwo) 29:30, in a tightly contested race under the scorching sun.
Abel Chebet (216), Levi Kiprotich (256) and Martin Kiprotich (285) leads the pack in the senior National Cross Country Championship in Tororo. He finished second behind Kenneth Kiprop. (Photos by Johnson Were)
NewVision Reporter
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Winning international medals remains a top priority for Uganda’s distance runners this year.
Kenneth Kiprop (Police) and Sarah Chelangat (UWA) highlighted this ambition on Saturday after winning the National Athletics Cross Country Championship in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, in Tororo.
Kiprop clocked 29:28 minutes, edging out stiff competition from teammate Abel Chebet (29:29) and Harbert Kibet (Bukwo) 29:30, in a tightly contested race under the scorching sun.
The World U20 bronze medallist’s time was below his personal best of 28:03, set last July at the Kings Park Athletics Stadium in Durban, South Africa. However, he remains determined to improve.
“I am happy to win because my expectation was top two. I’m going to continue training to see that I win a medal at the world stage,” said the 19-year-old, who also competes in the 3000m and 5000m events.
Joy Cheptoyek approaching the finish line during the National Cross Country Athletics Championship at Tororo Golf Course. 
“The pace was very fast, but in the last two to three laps, I realised I could win the race, and that’s when I unleashed my speed,” he added.
In the U20 men’s category, Jabeth Chesuro of Police (23:48) took first place, followed by Victor Cherotich of Prisons (23:54) and Abraham Cherotich of Arua Athletics Club (23:58).
In the women’s senior race, Sarah Chelangat reaffirmed her goal of winning international medals as her driving force.
Sarah Chelangat at the finish of her race at the Tororo golf Course.
“This year, there is the World Championships and the Africa Championships, and my intention is to win medals in all of them. So, it is not over. I am going to continue training to see that I achieve my goal,” Chelangat said.
She clocked 33:50 minutes, finishing ahead of Joy Cheptoyek of Prisons (34:08) in second place and Martha Chemutai (Police) 34:18 in third.
Uganda Athletics Federation president Dominic Otucet reiterated the UAF’s commitment to developing more talent capable of winning medals for the country by organising more competitions for athletes.
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