2017 World Cross Country: Progress

PIC: Team Uganda athletes training in Kapchorwa: (Credit: Norman Katende)

The logistical burden of successfully hosting an event like the IAAF World Cross Country Championships is often lost on the public.

The level of behind-the-scenes activity, the amount of cooperation needed throughout the organisational chain and above all, the pressure to get every single detail right adds up to mega undertaking that's much more complicated than many imagine.

Of course, one fatal mistake is all it takes for the public's wrath to come down on the organisers.

That's why the national organising committee (NOC) for the 2017 IAAF World Cross Country Championships - due in Kampala on March 26 - will need hundreds of boots to pull off a successful event.

"Work on Kololo is being done by the UPDF and we are confident that it will be in good condition by the time of the race," said Ambrose Atwoko, director of social services KCCA (who are part of NOC).

"In addition, 500 police men will be in charge of security of the event, which will include guaranteeing the safety of all the guests.

"We will also have 300 volunteers to help with running of activities."

It all calls for a high level of coordination and order because a good show will add credit to Kampala's claims in the cut-throat market of event-hosting.

Kigali, for one, has cultivated a reputation that's translated into plenty of income. Kampala is hoping to follow suit.