Uganda have named Jacob Kiplimo as team leader for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee on January 10, with the two time defending champion targeting a third straight senior title.
Kiplimo arrives in the United States as the man to beat after winning senior gold in Bathurst in 2023 and Belgrade in 2024, adding to the U20 title he claimed on home soil in Kampala in 2017. Tallahassee now offers him a chance to complete a rare senior hat trick and extend his dominance on the world cross country stage.
Uganda’s senior men’s team around Kiplimo includes Dolphine Chelimo, Dan Kibet, Emmanuel Kibet, Keneth Kiprop and Deogracius Musobo, a group that blends experience with depth across the distance ranks.
The senior women are led by Sarah Chelangat, who finished fifth at the Belgrade championships, alongside Joy Cheptoyek, the seventh placed finisher in the world 10,000m final in Tokyo. They are joined by Rebecca Chelangat, Kereen Chemusto, Martha Chemutai and Rispa Cherop.
The U20 women’s squad features Charity Cherop, the world U20 5000m bronze medallist, together with Peace Chebet, Felister Chekwemoi, Nancy Chepkwurui and Bentalin Yeko. Uganda have also named Solomon Andiema, Daniel Kiprotich Chelogoi, Abraham Cherotich, Dan Kipyeko and Jeremiah Kwemoi in the U20 men’s team, while the mixed relay will be handled by Brenda Chekwemoi, Sylvia Chelangat, Silas Chemutai and Daniel Comboni.
Uganda head into the championships looking to challenge traditional powerhouses on a Tallahassee course that is expected to test strength and speed in equal measure, with Kiplimo again at the centre of their medal hopes.
