News09 Sep 2007


Kiprop and Kangogo headline at Ugandan Road Running Championships

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Isaac Kiprop at 2007 Ugandan Road Running Championship (© Daniel Senfuma)

2006 Eastern Africa cross country champion Isaac Kiprop and newcomer Milka Kangogo headlined at the second edition of the Ugandan Road Running Championships that took place on Sunday 9 September in the Ugandan town of Rukungiri. The competition attracted over 400 runners.

The top finishers in both races stand a good chance of being named in Uganda’s team that will compete at the 2nd IAAF World Road Running Championships that will take place in Udine, Italy on 14 October 2007.

“The technical committee will meet later this month to name a team that will represent the country in Italy basing on today’s performances as well as experience and previous athletes’ performances,”  said Domenic Otucet, Vice President of Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF).

Men - Kiprop returns with big win

It was hard to separate the leading pack that comprised defending champion and last year’s Debrecen World Championships 4th placer Wilson kipkemei, James kibet, Patrick Kibet and an on-form Isaac kiprop.

After only 5km, this group was ahead of the other 300 competitors and by midway their advantage was so pronounced that the honours were alwaysa going to come from this group.

The winner was not determined until the last 100m stretch to the finish where Kiprop’s best kick made the difference with James Kibet not able to contain the pace crossing the line in the same time of 1:04.24 but just behind Kiprop.

Patrick Kibet finished third with 1:04:27, while former Ugandan Half Marathon champion Nicolas kiprono crossed in fourth position with 1:04:49.

“It is a good win because people thought I couldn’t win any other race but today has announced a big comeback for me on the local scene,” said Kiprop. “The pace was average, that is why I managed to win. I am now going to concentrate in preparations Bukwo hills for the World Championships in Italy. I hope to
perform better at the Worlds,” said smiling kiprop.   

Not such good fortune for kipkemei who was forced to drop out of the race:

“I took some water at 5km and developed cramps in my stomach that forced me out of the race. I am ready to perform at the World Road Running Championships if named to the Udine team by the Uganda Athletics Federation,” said Kipkemei.
 
Women - Surprise win for newcomer Kangogo

Little known Milka Kangogo surprised the crowd with an outstanding victory in the women’s race after seeing off favourites Catharine Webombesa; Adero Nyakisi and Emily Chebet in a tightly contested race.

After 6km Webombesa was in full control of the race but the hilly closing sections of the course saw Kangogo gaining till the final stretch to cross the finish with 1:23:07, while Nyakisi closely followed with 1:23:17 and the third place went to Emily Chebet who was timed at 1:24:45. Webombesa who is the reigning regional 800m champion was relegated to fourth position.

“I am overwhelmed by the win being my first time running the 20km. The competition was however very stiff but I managed to beat all challengers because I had to capitalise on my hill climbing tactics,” said Kangogo.

Daniel Senfuma and Namayo Mawerere for IAAF

Leading results

Men
1. Isaac Kiprop (standard high) 1:04:24
2. James Kibet (standard high) 1:04:24
3. Patrick Kibet (standard high) 1:04:27 4. Nicolas kiprono (kampala central) 1:04:49 5. Joseph Nsubuga (UPDF) 1:06.22 6. Gilbert Kipkosgei (Ndejje) 1:06.45

Women
1. Milka Kagongo (Ndejje) 1:23:07
2. Adero Nyakisi (Prisons) 1:23:17
3. Emily Cebet (UPDF) 1:24:45
4. Catherine Webombesa (UPDF) 1:25.06
5. Hellen Rono (Ndejje) 1:27.07
6. Grace Muzaki (arua) 1:28.17

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