The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda’s long distance star runner, Jacob Kiplimo has urged Ugandan top athletes to always take part in local competitions.
Kiplimo says the competitions motivate the upcoming rising stars in the sport because they are inspired running with excelling athletes.
“I was personally motivated after running with Stephen Kiprotich during the national mountain championship in 2016,” says Kiplimo.
The world half marathon world record holder, has also confirmed to Uganda Radio Network that, he will take part in the regional cross country championship slated for November 26th, 2022 in Kapchorwa district.
According to Kiplimo, local competitions plays a fundamental role in preparations for great performances at international meets.
“Like this regional cross country event, it’s a good one for me to prepare for the December 10th, 2022 national cross country championships in Tororo, he told URN in an interview in Kapchorwa.
Benjamin Njia, the national coach and vice president technical, Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) says taking part in local races helps to gauge performance for top athletes preparing for international competitions.
He explains that previously tendencies of Uganda top athletes refusing to take part in Ugandan races is because they believed competing in another country exposes them to great performance, which is not true.
According to Njia, UAF made mandatory for all athletes to compete in Ugandan local competitions for them to be considered for opportunities like representing the country at international competitions.
Peter Chelangat, Kiplimo’s local manager says his athlete is excited in running at home as a way of inspiring other young runners. “He is training with fellow junior athletes, and I see a great improvement of the young talent in the region,” added Chelangat.
Last week Kiplimo won a 10km Cross Italica meet in Spain, before flying back to Uganda to prepare for the regional cross country championships in Kapchorwa.
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