Chebet embraces course
Chebet, who finished second behind Mercyline Chelangat in the senior women’s 10km race is one of the 32 athletes that have been chosen by Uganda Athletics Federation to represent the nation on March 26 in the World event. PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA
What you need to know:
- A country can enter eight runners per event but six start and only four score according to IAAF rules.
KAMPALA. Rachael Chebet believes the new course at Kololo Independence Grounds is tailor-made for her ambition to win Uganda a medal at the 2017 IAAF World Cross Country Championship due on March 26.
Chebet like other local athletes, from whom Uganda Athletics Federation picked 32 to represent Uganda on March 26, managed to feel the course on Saturday during the National Cross Country Championship where she finished second, behind Mercyline Chelangat, with 35.16, in the senior women’s 10km race.
“I was feeling very comfortable on this course,” Chebet said.
“More comfortable and less challenging than the Africa x-country course in 2014,” she added. She finished 18th then in the junior women’s 6km race. In the lead to Saturday, Chebet trained in Eldoret - Kenya, a largely flat place like the Independence Grounds and she believes that gave her an edge in the competitive field.
“Where we train from is the decision of UAF but I hope I can have some time in Eldoret before the world event,” Chebet, who also trains in Bukwo when in Uganda, said.
“Kololo is largely flat like Eldoret but if I want to train on a hill, I can find a hilly area in Eldoret too.”
Kapchorwa camp
Her worries could linger on after UAF publicity secretary Namayo Mawerere, confirmed yesterday that the national team will camp in Kapchorwa for its proximity to Kampala.
“The runners who do not report to camp immediately upon summon next week will consequently be dropped from the team.
“The technical team of five coaches will continuously evaluate the performance of the team which will culminate into selecting the best six runners in each category to make the final entry team by March 13,” Mawerere wrote.
A country can enter eight runners per event but six start and only four score according to IAAF rules.
TEAM UGANDA
Senior men: Joshua Cheptegei, Phillip Kipyeko, Abdallah Kibet Mande, Timothy Toroitich, Stephen Kiprotich, Stephen Kiisa, Fred Musobo and Mande Bushendich
Senior women: M. Chelangat, R. Chebet, Dorcus Ajok, Doreen Chesang, Doreen Chemutai, Annet Chebet, Juliet Chekwel, Stella Chesang
U20 men: Jacob Kiplimo, Titus Kwemoi, Victor Kiplangat, Elisha Chemutai, Kevin Kibet, Mathew Chepkrui, Anthony Ayeko and Abel Chebet
U20 women: Peruth Chemutai, Janat Chemusto, Esther Chekwemoi, Sarah Chelangat, Scarlett Chemos, Adha Munguleya, Joy Cheptoek, Benna Sukuku.
