Kipyeko apologises for joint finish
Feb 13, 2018
Going forward Kipyeko has promised to bring home a medal from the Africa cross-country championship in Algeria next month.
Individual winners
Junior men-Victor Kiplangat (Arua)
Junior women-Sarah Chelangat
(KCCA)
Senior men
Thomas Ayeko (KCCA)
Senior women
Mercyline Chelangat (Police)
Mixed event - UWA
Phillip Kipyeko and Thomas Ayeko agreed on a joint finish at the National Cross-country.
In a rare revelation on Monday Prisons Athletics Club's Kipyeko disclosed that they agreed with his team-mate to cross the finishing line together.
There was heated debate on Saturday whether this was proper after the duo openly shook hands as they raced to the finishing line at Jinja Central Division Recreation Park on Saturday.
Ayeko, who was in second position for most of the home stretch, in the process was declared winner with Kipyeko finishing second.
"He is my friend. We also train together. We wanted to cross the finishing line together," revealed Kipyeko.
Kipyeko, who turns out for Prisons Athletics Club, said he saw no problem in a joint finish with KCCA's Ayeko, whom he said is not only a training partner, but also hails from Bukwo like him.
Kipyeko, however, on Sunday had to apologise to his club. This was after it was put to him that he denied his team a crucial win.
"He said sorry. He also promised that next time it would not happen," explained Uganda Prisons Sports Director Nalis Bigingo.
Going forward Kipyeko has promised to bring home a medal from the Africa cross-country championship in Algeria next month.
"Expect a medal," stated Kipyeko, a 2015 and 16 national cross-country champion. He is also a former mountain running champion. The national event in Jinja was used to select Uganda's team to the African competition.
The women's race produced a surprise with Sarah Chelangat beating reigning champion Peruth Chemutai.
Uganda Wildlife Authority easily won the mixed relays. This is a new event that was introduced by world athletics body IAAF in 2016.
Winnie Nanyondo started off the race followed by Halima Nakaayi and Abou Mayanja before Ronald Musagala anchored his team to victory amidst wild cheers.