Uganda’s Charity Cherop and Oscar Chelimo delivered strong performances in the 2024-2025 World Athletics Cross Country Tour, securing top-five finishes in the overall standings.
Cherop, competing in the women’s category, finished fourth in the season rankings with a total score of 3640.
Her consistent performances across multiple events placed her just behind Italy’s Nadia Battocletti, Burundi’s Francine Niyomukunzi, and Kenya’s Sheila Jebet.
Battocletti claimed the overall title with 3720 points after securing victories in Alcobendas, the European Cross Country Championships in Antalya, and Campaccio.
In the men’s category, Oscar Chelimo showcased his endurance and skill, finishing fourth overall with 3640 points.
The Ugandan distance runner was edged out by Burundi’s Rodrigue Kwizera, Kenya’s Matthew Kipkoech Kipruto, and Spain’s Thierry Ndikumwenayo.
Kwizera, who has now topped the men’s standings for three consecutive seasons, won five races in the series, accumulating a total score of 3720 points.
Both Cherop and Chelimo’s strong finishes place them among the world’s top cross-country athletes, further solidifying Uganda’s growing presence in long-distance running.
Their achievements also earn them a share of the prize money, which is awarded to the top six finishers in each category, with the overall winners receiving €10,000.
Final Standings – Women’s Category:
1. Nadia Battocletti (ITA) – 3720
2. Francine Niyomukunzi (BDI) – 3700
3. Sheila Jebet (KEN) – 3680
4. Charity Cherop (UGA) – 3640
5. Carolina Robles (ESP) – 3620
6. Daisy Jepkemei (KAZ) – 3610
Final Standings – Men’s Category:
1. Rodrigue Kwizera (BDI) – 3720
2. Matthew Kipkoech Kipruto (KEN) – 3680
3. Thierry Ndikumwenayo (ESP) – 3660
4. Oscar Chelimo (UGA) – 3640
5. Celestin Ndikumana (BDI) – 3620
6. Robert Kiprop Koech (KEN) – 3600
