Ugandan duo Benjamin Kiplagat and Jacob Araptany will line up for the 3000m steeplechase at the 18th Africa Senior Championships in Porto Novo, Benin today.
The two look to be favourites with Kenyans Ezekiel Kemboi, Brimin Kipruto out of the fray.
Kemboi won the race at the World Athletics Championships in Daegu last August, beating Araptany and Kiplagat to sixth and tenth inturn.
Araptany, last year’s revelation of Ugandan athletics was stunned in the 1500m at the National Championships prior to the flight, he spoke to Kawowo Sports with confidence.
“I will fight the battle in Benin” he said.
Araptany and Kiplagat have already made it to the London summer games due next month.
Kiplagat finished eigth, behind Araptany at the Rome Samsung Diamond League meet. Araptany had run his personal best.
Meanwhile, the weather and reportedly poor preparations in Porto Novo have forced many adjustments the games’ schedule.