Otim holds high hopes for world university meet

ATHLETICS

KAMPALA - Emmanuel Otim, a first-year student of Makerere University, is preparing to participate in the World University Cross Country Championships due in Morocco next month.

Ahead of the March 7 event in Marrakech, the student of development studies has brightened his chances after winning the Run 4 Climate 5.5km Road Race on Sunday.

He clocked 16:05 minutes ahead of Brian Ategeka (16:30) and Julius Kabagambe (17:11).

Over 150 racers took part in the race, which took place around the Makerere area.

Fresh from last Friday's National Cross Country event in Tororo, Otim felt a bit fatigued, but he said his competitors in Sunday's race put up little resistance.

He says his strength and determination helped him pull through.

Vanessa Nakate, a young environmental activist, flagged off the marathon aimed at seeing more trees planted.

Dr. Charles Batte, the founder and CEO of Tree Adoption Uganda, expressed the need to help people most affected by extreme climate changes, for instance the people such areas of Bududa district.

Stuart Muhiraguka from the National Forestry Authority was among the officials that took part in the race.