2017 IAAF Kampala World Cross Country Championship:
- Sunday, 26th March 2017
- 2 p.m – 6 p.m – Kololo Independence Grounds, Kampala
The world will on Sunday, 26th March 2017 shift special attention to Uganda, Kampala City to be exact.
This is because the 42nd edition of the IAAF World Cross Country Championship shall take center stage where over 600 athletes across the world will compete in the various races.
The official opening ceremony starts at 13:30 hours before the first race (Mixed Relay) will open up 30 minutes later.
The U-20 women and men will follow before the senior women event. This will be followed by the senior men at 16:55 hours and the mass race at 18:00 hours.
Sunday’s programme follows the full arrival of all the teams expected with the accreditation process completed.
The first official press conference was held at Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Saturday morning before the course inspection where Olympic Champion, Stephen Kiprotich had a test run.
There was the official IAAF-LOC dinner held later on Saturday night attended by representatives of all the participating countries, Government of Uganda top sports officials, the media, IAAF officials, active and retired athletes who included the United Nations Ambassador Paul Tergat.
KCCA Executive Director Jenifer Semakula Musisi lauded the international athletics body, IAAF for granting Uganda the hosting rights of such a momentous event.
Musisi was speaking at Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Saturday night where he appreciated IAAF before handing over souvenirs to the different personalities including the President of the African Athletics Body, Hamad Kalkaba.
As Uganda and Kampala City, we are excited to host this event where hundreds of athletes are here to compete. Feel at home, this is Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
IAAF President, Sebastian Coe paid a glowing tribute to the late John Akii Bua whom he described as a passionate and great athlete.
Departure for the teams will commence on Monday. Kenya and Ethiopia are the record winners of the championship.
About Team Uganda:
Uganda IAAF World Cross Country Championship team on Friday arrived in Kampala from their training base in Kapchorwa, eastern Uganda.
Without an official attire, they checked in at Speke Apartments opposite Hotel Africana, like 200 metres away from Kololo Independence Grounds, the event’s venue.
Uganda senior’s men team is comprised of Joshua Cheptegei, Phillip Kipyeko, Abdalla Kibet Mande, Timothy Toroitich, and Stephen Kisa, with Fred Musobo and Mande Bushendich as reserve team members.
The senior’s women team is comprised of Mercyline Chelengat, Racheal Zena Chebet, Stella Chesang, Doreen Chesang, Doreen Chemtai, and Emilly Chebet. Anne Chebet is a reserve.
The Uganda men U20 comprises of Jacob Kiplimo, Titus Kwemoi Given, Victor Kiplangat, Elisha Chemutai, Kevin Kibet and Mathewe Chekwurui. Anthony Ayeko and Abel Chebet are the reserve team members.
The women’s U20 team is made of Peruth Chemtai, Esther Chekwemoi, Sarah Chelegant, Janat Chemusto, Adha Munguleya and Scala Chemos.
The Uganda mixed relay team has Winnie Nanyondo, Geoffrey Ruto Kipkorir, Dorcus Ajok and Ronald Musagala while Esther Chebet and Abu Mayanja are reserves.
Prize Money:
A total of $310,000 (sh1.1bn) will be on offer for the top performers of the one day event. Money will be paid out to the top finishers of both the senior men and women’s events.
A total of $140,000 (sh498m) is up for grabs for individuals in the two races. In the team events of both senior races another $140,000 is also on offer. Here $20,000 (sh71m) is up for grabs for the winning team.
There will also be $30,000 for the inaugural relay race. The winning team will get $12,000 (sh42.7m). The prizes in this case only apply for the top four teams.
Prize money
1st $30,000 (sh106m)
2nd $15,000 (sh53m)
3rd $10,000 (sh35.5m)
4th $ 7000 (sh24.9m)
5th $5000 (sh17.7m)
6th $3000 (sh 10.6m)
Team races
1st $20,000 (sh71m)
2nd $16,000 (sh56.9m)
3rd $12,000 (sh42.7m)
4th $10,000 (sh35,5m)
5th $ 8000 (sh28.4m)
6th $4000 (sh14.2m)
Mixed relays
1st $12,000 (sh42.7m)
2nd $8000 (sh28.4m)
3rd $6000 (sh21.3m)
4th $4000 (sh14.2m)
Sunday, 26 March Official Programme:
13:30 Opening Ceremony
14:00 Mixed Relay
14:30 U20 Women
15:00 Medal Ceremony Mixed Relay
15.10 U20 Men
15:40 Medal Ceremony U20 Women
15:55 Senior Women
16:40 Medal Ceremony U20 Men
16.55 Senior Men
17:30 Medal Ceremony Senior Women
17:45 Medal Ceremony Senior Men
18:00 Mass Race