Seth Akampa eyes gold at East Africa University Games in Nairobi

Long-distance runner Seth Akampa is aiming to add to his collection of accolades with success at the upcoming East Africa University Games in Nairobi, Kenya, next month.

The promising runner has intensified his preparations in Mbarara ahead of the week-long games, scheduled for December 15-22 in the Kenyan capital.

Akampa, who won double silver in the 5000m and 10000m events at the last edition of the games held at Ndejje University, Uganda, in 2022, believes this is his time to win gold.

“I know it will not be easy because we are running in Kenya, a country known for its prowess in long-distance running, but I am working hard to ensure I am ready by the time of the games. I feel this is my time to win gold at this level,” Akampa said.

He is the reigning national 10000m champion, after his heroics saw him cross the tape in 33:53.08 minutes at the 2023 Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) games at UCU.

The 24-year-old final-year Law student at BSU Mbarara also holds the FISU World University Cross Country gold, which he won in February after finishing in 29:12 minutes at the championship held in Muscat, Oman.

“I know the competition will be high, and now that I will not be running as a starter, I won’t take it for granted that I am a world champion. I will be competing harder for the podium,” he added.

Having won gold at AUUS and FISU levels, regional and continental gold remain Akampa’s targets, and he hopes to achieve them.