Uganda men’s team bagged a silver medal after emerging second at the 4th edition of the African Cross Country Championship held in Cameroon’s capital of Yaounde over the weekend.
2014 world junior mountain-running champion, Philip Kipyeko endured the toughest and most unlucky day losing the gold medal to Kenya’s James Rungaru by just one second. Kipyeko clocked 26 minutes and 35 seconds.
The Ugandan who led most part of the 10KM race surrendered the leading spot to Rungaru just with only 50 meters remaining. Kenya’s Charles Yosei finished third.
Kipyeko led the Ugandan team that had Thomas Ayeko and Daniel Rotich to the second best team. Kenya took all best team positions in all categories on top of scooping ten of 10 of the 12 individual medals on offer.
In the senior women’s category, Alice Aprot won the 8Km race after a time of 29 minutes and 52 seconds. Aprot finished third in the previous edition held in Kampala two years ago. Sheila Chepkirui (30:44) and Beatrice Mutai (31:08) Completed the clean sweep for Kenya.
Other Ugandan athletes who were present include Stella Chesang (senior women), Mande Bushendich (junior men) and Janat Chemusto (junior women).
Selected results
Senior men 10km:
1 James Rungaru (KEN) 26:34
2 Phillip Kipyeko (UGA) 26:35
3 Charles Yosei (KEN) 26:46
4 Cleophas Ngetich (KEN) 26:52
5 Geoffrey Koech (KEN) 27:09
Senior men team:
1 Kenya
2 Uganda
3 Ethiopia
Senior women 8km
1 Alice Aprot (KEN) 29:52
2 Sheila Chepkirui (KEN) 30:44
3 Beatrice Mutai (KEN) 31:08
4 Dera Yami (ETH) 31:13
5 Daisy Chepkemei (KEN) 31:29
Senior women team
1 Kenya
2 Ethiopia
3 South Africa
Junior men 8km
1 Isaac Kipsang (KEN) 21:33
2 Ronald Kiprotich (KEN) 21:44
3 Aron Kifle (ERI) 21:48
4 Anthony Kiptoo (KEN) 21:56
5 Andrew Lorot (KEN) 21:59
Junior men team
1 Kenya
2 Ethiopia
3 South Africa
Junior women 6km
1 Miriam Cherop (KEN) 18:31
2 Gloria Kite (KEN) 18:39
3 Winfredah Mbithe (KEN) 18:40
4 Lucy Cheruiyot (KEN) 18:42
5 Muliye Dekobo (ETH) 18:52
Junior women team
1 Kenya
2 Ethiopia
3 Morocco