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Kapchorwa, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Long-distance runner Jacob Kiplimo on Saturday won the National Mountain Running Championships that were held in Kapchorwa.
The 2020 Olympic Tokyo bronze medallist Kiplimo comfortably won the 12.5km race in 41:30.3. He was followed by Mathew Chepkwurui who crossed the finishing line in 42:5.79 while Kevin Kibet came third in 43:09.5.
Kiplimo said that the win will give him the confidence of defending the World Half Marathon.
He also said that he has started preparing for the forthcoming international championships including World Championships, Commonwealth Games among others next season.
“I decided to participate in the National Mountain Championships as a launching pad to achieve my set goals. And I have to start early preparations. I have lined up national and international build-ups to the competitions I am targeting,” he said
He added that he has kicked off preparation eerier to avoid inconveniences.
“I still recall how the Covid-19 situation in the country affected my training and performance. This time around I don’t want to take chances,” Kiplimo said.
Meanwhile, Annet Chelangat Chemengich (Arua Club) emerged winner in the women category clocking 51:10.2. She was followed by Doreen Chemutai who crossed the finishing line 52:16.1.
Tokyo 2020 Olympian Marceline Chelangat struggled with the pace and finally settled for the fifth position where she posted 52:40.1.
Race winner Anne Chelangat says that the suspension of sports activities due to Covid-19 affected her preparations.
“This championship is God-send because I have been starved of competition for over two years now. It has given me chance to test my form. I now set my eyes on the International Marathon due in Kenya this season,” Chelangat said.
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