Cheptegei Leads Team Uganda to World Cross Country Championships

World champion runner Joshua Cheptegei has promised Uganda gold at the World Cross Country Championship in Bathurst, Australia slated for February 18.

Cheptegei, who is the world record holder in the men’s 5,000m and 10,000m, is part of the Ugandan team that traveled on Tuesday ahead of the world event.

“We have a good team in both senior and junior levels and we are confident of coming back with medals. We know we shall face tough competition from Ethiopia and Kenya, but we have prepared well enough,” Cheptegei told reporters before departure.

Cheptegei is expected to combine with another Olympic medalist Jacob Kiplimo to outshine Kenya’s two-time winner Geoffrey Kamworor.

Head coach Francis Damai also said he is optimistic the team is well-prepared and should be able to perform well.

“We generally have a good team in all categories, in seniors and junior levels,” added the coach.

Uganda’s team will have six senior male and six women runners, along with six junior male runners and five junior female runners.

The contingent of 28 athletes and three officials has been undergoing training at Trinity Biblical Institute in Kapchorwa from January 11 to February 12, 2023. It comprises 12 junior men and women, 12 Senior Men and Women Category and 4 athletes for the Mixed Relay race.

They include Joshua Cheptegei (Team Captain), Jacob Kiplimo, Samuel Kibet,  Isaac Kibet Martin Magengo Kiprotich, Stella Chesang,  Prisca Chesang,  Doreen Chesang,  and Annet Chelangat Chemengich, who will be competing in the 10-kilometre senior’s race.

The others are Hosea Chemutai,  Allan Kibet,  Silas Rotich,  Dan Kibet,  Kenneth Kiprop, Peace Chebet,  Feb Chelogoi, Charity Cherop, and Felista Chekwemboiand Risper Cherop who will be competing in the six-kilometre juniors race. Also competing are athletes Ronald Musagala,  Abu Mayanja,  Knight Aciru and Linda Chebet who will feature in the two-kilometre mixed relay.

The World Cross Country Championship 2023 will also attract athletes from Australia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Burundi, Canada, Brazil, Egypt, Eritrea, Spain, New Zealand and China among others.

For the first time in World Cross Country history, the event heads to Australia. More than 400 athletes from around the world will descend on Mount Panorama in Bathurst for the elite races in what promises to be another enthralling edition of the global event.