Kigezi runners make mark at National Cross Country Championship
“I am happy with their performance and because they are young and still learning, this was good and encouraging,” Ahimbisibwe noted.
Marvelous Orishaba finished 13th in the women's senior category. (Photos by Aloysius Byamukama)
NewVision Reporter
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Athletics coach Gordon Ahimbisibwe is confident that the Kigezi sub-region will soon produce top contenders at the national cross-country championship.
Ahimbisibwe shared his optimism after witnessing his athletes put up a commendable performance at the national cross-country event held at Tororo Golf Course on Saturday.
The former national long-distance coach led a team of six from Kigezi High Altitude Athletics Club (KHAAC) in Kabale, making their debut as a club under Kabale Municipality.
“I am happy with their performance and because they are young and still learning, this was good and encouraging. I am optimistic these athletes will improve and do not be surprised if Kigezi produces a champion in the near future,” Ahimbisibwe noted.
East Africa University Games triple medalist (800m, 1500m, and 5000m) Marvelous Orishaba was the team’s standout performer, finishing 13th in the women’s 10km senior category with a time of 38:17.42 minutes.
Coach Gordon Ahimbisibwe (round hat) with some of the Kigezi athletes at Tororo Golf course.
Patricia Kobuhwezi followed in 19th place, while Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Sarah Chelangat won the race, crossing the finish line in 33:50 minutes.
“I thank God for having enabled me to run and finish the race and in that position which I did not expect considering the weather. I am happy that I got this position and I am going back to train more so that I do well at the qualifying event in November,” said Orishaba Marvelous.
World university cross-country champion Seth Akampa was unable to finish due to illness, but Mark Biryomumaisho placed 30th with a time of 32:01.37 minutes. Henry Mugume finished 40th, while Edgar Nsiimiramukama secured 53rd place in a field of 89 runners, 26 of whom did not complete the race.
Uganda Police’s Kenneth Kiprop emerged as the winner, clocking 29:28 minutes.
Ahimbisibwe said they will now focus on preparing for the November competition, which will serve as a qualifier for the world cross-country championship.
Kigezi High Altitude Athletics Club (KHAAC) was established by Dr Peter Ngategize, alongside athletics enthusiasts such as Dr Johnson Byabashaija, Ivan Batuma, Cephas Birungi, Herbert Habyarimana, and others, to revive athletics in the Kigezi sub-region.