Uganda’s Oscar Chelimo is set to challenge for top honors at the Cross Internacional das Amendoeiras em Flor in Albufeira on Sunday February 2, as he looks to improve on his runner-up finish from last year.
The event, which doubles as the penultimate Gold-level race in the World Athletics Cross Country Tour, will see Chelimo go head-to-head with defending champion Thierry Ndikumwenayo and tour leader Rodrigue Kwizera.
Chelimo, who will be representing Italian team Atletica Casone Noceto, is no stranger to big performances.
The 2022 World Championships 5000m bronze medalist has consistently been among the top finishers on the cross-country circuit.
Last year, he pushed Ndikumwenayo all the way before settling for second place in Albufeira. He also secured runner-up finishes in Atapuerca and Amorebieta-Etxano, following his Olympic campaign.
The Ugandan long-distance star kicked off his 2025 season with a strong third-place finish in San Giorgio su Legnano and will be eager to claim his first win of the year.
With Ndikumwenayo defending his title and Kwizera leading the standings, the battle for victory is expected to be intense.
Uganda will also be represented in the mixed relay, with Tokyo Olympic 1500m finalist Winnie Nanyondo among the entries.
Nanyondo will compete against top contenders such as Kenya’s Sheila Jebet, Romania’s Claudia Bobocea, and Portugal’s Isaac Nader.
As the countdown to the World Cross Country Championships continues, Chelimo and Nanyondo will be keen to make a statement in Albufeira, showcasing Uganda’s strength on the global distance running stage.
