Kipsiro ready for National Cross-country

By James Bakama

National Cross-country

Jinja Golf Course

UAF and the National University Sports Federation of Uganda will be looking to this weekend’s National Cross-country Championship to select their teams for bigger international competitions.

While Uganda Athletics Federation will be preparing for the Africa Championship, NUSFU will be preparing for the World University Cross-country.

Both races are scheduled for March. The African meet will be at the Kololo Airstrip while the world university race will be at Entebbe golf course. 

“Because of these two upcoming events, we expect one of our biggest cross-country turn-ups in Jinja,” said UAF General Secretary Beatrice Ayikoru.

That performance in the African meet, will be one of the areas considered for the national team’s selection for next year’s World Crosscountry, is also more reason for runners to be at their best in Jinja.

Stephen Kipsiro, the defending champion of the 12km men’s race, is one of the several big names expected for the morning event at the picturesque Jinja Golf course.

“I am just returning from injury. It will be great to return to Jinja. I love that course,” Kipsiro said recently.

Among the stars in the women’s event will be defending champion Juliet Chekwel. Others will be Janet Achola and Catherin Webombesa. An equally strong field is expected in the men’s races.

The course, with two kilometer laps, borders the source of the Nile. Competition will be in the junior and senior events both the men and women.

There is also a 2km event for juniors under 15 years. Senior men run 12km while the juniors run 8km. Senior women compete in 8km while the female juniors go for 6km. 

The only thing that might affect the numbers in Jinja, could be the National Half Marathon next week.