IAAF Kampala 2017: 60 nations confirm participation

IAAF World Cross Country ambassador Paul Tergat was in Kampala last week during which he declared Kampala ready for the 2017 IAAF World Cross Country. (Credit: Norman Katende)

KAMPALA - A total of 60 countries have so far confirmed participation in the 2017 IAAF World Cross Country Championships due in Kampala in exactly 20 days from today.

The local organizing committee (LOC) says entry of over 70 nations is expected before Monday's deadline.

LOC secretary and IAAF World Cross Country committee member Beatrice Ayikoru said the number could swell in the final week.

"Some countries wait for the final week. So chances are high of an entry of over 70."

Ecuador and Kuwait were by the weekend the latest entries for the March 26 event.

Cross country giants Ethiopia and Kenya will, like hosts Uganda, be fielding full teams.

Algeria, Australia, Canada, China, Japan, USA, Great Britain and South Africa will also have full teams.

Uganda will become the fourth African country to stage cross country's biggest event.

Morocco hosted the third edition in 1975. South Africa was next in 1996 before Morocco hosting again in 1998 and Kenya in 2007.