Defending champion Kenneth Kiprop and his Ugandan compatriot Dan Kibet are set to face a strong international field at the Cardiff Cross Challenge, part of the World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold, on Saturday, November 9.
Kiprop, the reigning men’s champion, and Kibet will compete over a 9600m course at Llandaff Fields in Cardiff, where they aim to maintain Uganda’s competitive edge on the cross-country stage.
Kiprop, 19, who claimed bronze in the 5000m at the World U20 Championships in Lima, enters the race with momentum following a season of impressive performances.
His rival and compatriot Kibet finished ahead of Kiprop at the Cross Internacional Zornotza in October, placing third to Kiprop’s fifth. Kibet’s track record includes an 11th-place finish at the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, underscoring his strength in cross-country events.
In the women’s race, Uganda’s Charity Cherop will lead the charge alongside Kenya’s Sheila Jebet. Cherop, who earned bronze in the 5000m at the World U20 Championships, is expected to be a key competitor on the 6400m course.
Both Cherop and Kiprop will be looking to continue their success on the international stage and strengthen Uganda’s standing in cross-country running.
The competition in Cardiff will provide a rigorous test for Uganda’s leading runners as they face elite athletes from Europe and beyond, including Dutch star Niels Laros and Burundi’s Celestin Ndikumana.
