High anticipations as Uganda Road Running team flys off to Copenhagen for World Championships.
At Uganda Athletics offices on September 16, a rood running team of 16 member under the guidance of former long distance runners Alex Malinga and Grace Chesanga flagged off for World Road Running championship in Copenhagen Denmark.
The team with participate three events such as 5 km, 1 mile and the famous half marathon of 21km at the championship slated for September 19 and 20th contesting against 496 elite athletes from 85 country inclusive the mass races which aproximetely having 65000 participants.
The team was flagged off by James Kasumba representing National Council of Sports General Secretary Dr Patrick Barnerd Ogwel, he handed over the flag to team assistant captain Esther Chebet who received on behalf of team captain Joshua Cheptegei.
Before handing over the flag, Kasumba challenged the team and most emphasized the athlete,”as the Government we are proud of Athletics as our number one golden sport of the nation, every year when it comes to success in Uganda sports section always Athletics comes first annually.”
Credit to Silvano Kibuuka
Even this time round we are highly hopping not just a medal but it is how many the team will manage, the new team we also highly hopeful for you to upset the odds,.
Assistant team captain Chebet also vowed her big anticipations,”I am sure that we are going to perform, we have had a very good preparations and the government has supported us arbandantly.”
Uganda Athletics president Dominic Otucet confirmed on the team’s motivation,” we are greatful for the government for the continuous supports to Athletics, on this team they have given us everything for prepations including Athletes allowances both for preparations and those they have to get while at the championship.”
Despite the team is much hopeful in Joshua Cheptegei and Charity Cherop who are power ranked by World Athletics for possible Gold medals, Otucet also called the entire team to target much including improving their times,”we believe every one on the team is possibly heavy for a medal, and also making time is another target.”
Chief de mission Apollo Musherure also reminded another purpose beyond medals,” though we are focussed on bring in medals also this also works as a qualifier for World Athletics Championship.”
For a long time Uganda is hugely known for incredible performances in the long distances with road running leading the country’s successes in as far as global Athletics including this championship right away when it was still dubbed as World Half Marathon.
Team per event.
Women 21km
Assistant Captain) Esther Chebet, Esther Chekwomoi Yeko, Anet Chemengich Chelangat and Rebecca Chellangat.
Men 21km
Joshua Cheptegei, Mande Bushendich, Martin Kiprotich and Feb Chelogoi.
Women 5km
Charity Cherop and Martha Chemutai
Men 5km
Alex Kiplangat and Kenneth Kiprop
Women 1 Mile
Felister Chekwemoi and Patience Cherop
Men 1 mile
Silas Chemutai and Hosea Kiprop
