Uganda’s fourth National Athletics Trials will have an international feel this Saturday after 43 foreign runners from seven countries entered the competition at Mandela National Stadium, as athletes chase qualification for the World Athletics U20 Championships.
According to a press release, the foreign athletes, all in the U20 category, are targeting places at the global championships scheduled for August 4 to 9 in Eugene.
The biggest contingent comes from the Athlete Refugee Team with 20 runners, followed by South Sudan with 12. Kenya has entered five athletes, while Sweden and Ethiopia have each sent two. Burundi and Rwanda will each have one representative.
The influx is expected to raise competition levels at the trials and provide a stern test for Uganda’s young athletes, who are also chasing qualification marks.
For Ugandan U20 runners, Saturday’s event is one of only four remaining national track and field competitions available to secure the world championship standard.
After the fourth trial, athletes will have further opportunities at the Central Region Championships on May 16, the Akii-Bua Memorial on June 6, and the Uganda National Championships from June 25 to 27, which will mark the end of the local qualification window.
Saturday’s trials will also serve as a key platform for senior athletes seeking qualification for the 24th edition of the African Senior Athletics Championships, set for May 12 to 17 in Accra.
