Ugandan athletes Oscar Chelimo and Martin Kiprotich are set to headline Uganda’s participation in the Cross Internacional de Atapuerca this Sunday (October 27), a significant event in the World Athletics Cross Country Tour taking place near Burgos, Spain.
Chelimo, the 2022 world bronze medallist in the 5000m, will look to outpace Burundian rival Rodrigue Kwizera after finishing second to him last week in Amorebieta.
Kwizera, a two-time Cross Country Tour champion, has a strong record at Spanish cross-country meets, though victory at Atapuerca has eluded him so far. Kiprotich, coming off a commanding 10km win in Trieste, Italy, last week, adds further depth to Uganda’s hopes for a podium finish.
Uganda’s presence adds to a diverse field that includes some of the top cross-country talent globally.
The Ethiopian contingent will be led by Mezgebu Sime, the U20 cross-country silver medallist, joined by seasoned steeplechase runner Hailemariyam Amare.
For Uganda, the Atapuerca meet offers a valuable stage for Chelimo and Kiprotich to test their endurance and speed in the European cross-country circuit, a pathway to the 2024 World Cross Country Championships.
With more than 3,500 athletes from 15 countries set to compete, this year’s Atapuerca Cross Country is expected to draw an impressive crowd, despite forecasts predicting rain and cool temperatures ranging between 6-8°C.
