Jacob Kiplimo won the National cross-country championships held in Tororo on Saturday. The now reigning World cross country champion, secured the 10km meter race victory in 29 minutes, 3 seconds. Dan Kibet from the Uganda Prison Services followed in the second position as he crossed the finishing line at 29 minutes, 9 seconds followed by Hosea Kiplangat from the same club at 29 minutes 14 seconds.
Kiplimo says his victory ushers him to prepare for the World Cross Country Championships that are slated for March 30th in Belgrade Serbia. “My preparations are now going to focus on how to defend the world title,” he said.
Then Racheal Zena Chebet, from Prisons Athletics club, won the senior women’s category after crossing the finishing line at 32 minutes, 59 seconds to defeat Joy Cheptoyek from Arua Athletics Association, who came second with 33 minutes, and 16 seconds. Loise Chekwemoi from the Uganda Wildlife Authority club finished in the third position at 33 minutes and 52 seconds.
Chebet said was happy, although the course was a bit challenging, under the hot weather conditions, she gave glory to God Almighty. “I am so much happy and surely this victory is a testimony, therefore the name of God has to be glorified,” She said. Benjamin Njia, the Uganda Athletics Federation Vice President of Technical said the team is expected to report to the National Training Camp in Kapchorwa before February 20th in preparation for the World Cross Country championships scheduled for March 30th, 2024 in Belgrade Serbia.