World Cross Country: Kololo course impresses

PIC: Team USA athletes trying out the course at Kololo. The course has received good reviews. (Credit: Michael Nsubuga)

EVENT: 2017 IAAF World Cross Country Championship

HOST: Kampala, UGANDA

VENUE: Kololo Independence Grounds

WHEN: Sunday: 1.45pm, Live on SuperSport 6/9 (206/9)

If there is any fault to be found in the organisation of the IAAF World Cross Country Championships Kampala 2017, due at Kololo on Sunday, it will be from other areas but not on the course.

The Local organising committee has prepared an immaculate course for the championship, it is in great shape and has impressed visiting athletes.

"It's tough out there but the course is good," some American junior athletes were heard praising the facility after a run out mid this week.

Those who followed on Thursday including athletes from Sri Lanka and Australia all seemed to be enjoying themselves as they had a feel of the track.

There have been several modifications on the Airstrip/ Independence Ceremonial Grounds to suit the IAAF standards for the biennial event.

One of the requirements was to ensure all the running track was covered with grass which the organisers introduced to even tarmacked areas of Kololo.

"This is a far better course than what we saw in Mombasa and in some European countries where athletes had to run on rocks. We are only remaining with branding, otherwise everything is in place, it's all green reflecting the Pearl of Africa," said Local Organising Committee (LOC) Head of Competition Faustin Kiwa.

Climbing obstacles and logs are also a feature on the 2km route, whose stretch to the finishing point has also been separated for those who might still have more distance to cover as others finish.

Work on the course was carried out by the Engineers Brigade of the UPDF under supervision from the Local Organising Committee.

CLICK HERE for more articles on the World Cross Country buildup