Martin Toroitich (Arua) 1:00:17 and Wilson Busienei Kipkemei (Arua) 1:00:16 at the national road running champs (© Daniel Senfuma)
Iganga, UgandaWorld and Commonwealth Games 3000m Steeplechase champion Dorcus Inzikuru, and the 2005 World University Games 5000m and 10,000m gold medallist Wilson Busienei Kipkemei won the one-day Ugandan Road Running Championship held in Iganga district, about 120km away from the Ugandan capital of Kampala on Sunday (10).
WOMEN
The World champion Inzikuru who missed the IAAF World Athletics Finals in Stuttgart, Germany, won the 20km convincingly with 1:15:06.
Inzikuru was troubled by former Ugandan champions Jane Suuto and Catharine Webombesa in the first 7km but managed to see off the duo in the last.
A tired Suuto came in second, two minutes later with a time of 1:17:26 while Webombesa crossed with a time of 1:17:49.
“The heat was too much and I had to increase on my speed such that my rivals couldn’t reach me. I love my country and this is why I honoured this invitation to compete today,” said a proud Inzikuru.
This is Inzikuru’s second major local race in her country after competing in the 10km race at the 2004 MTN Kampala marathon.
MEN
The men’s race saw University student Wilson Busienei Kipkemei produce a stunning finish in the last 100m to beat Arua team-mate Martin Toritich with a strong field that had world class runners like Alex Malinga and Joseph Nsubuga.
The Italy based Ugandan Busienei took immediate charge of the race with a 28mins first 10km. But it took until the final stages of the race for Busienei to overcome the small Toroitich, finishing in 1:00:16.
“I knew it was only a speed tactic for me to win this race because all my opponents were experienced but the high temperatures worked on them,”
said Busienei, who will be returning to Italy at the end of this week to prepare for the Italian club championships.
The Ugandan athletics technical team will meet at a later date to name the Ugandan team that will compete at the 1st IAAF World Road Running Championship that will take place in Debrecen, Hungary on 8 October.
Daniel Senfuma for IAAF
Leading results
Men 20km
1. Wilson Busienei Kipkemei (Arua) 1:00:16
2. Martin Toroitich (Arua) 1:00:17
3. James Kibet (Standard High School) 1:00:33
4. Alex Malinga (Arua) 1:01:07
5. Gilbert Kiptum (Ndejje) 1:02:48
6. Moses Aliwa (Arua) 1:02:52
7. Nathan Chebet (Kampala Central) 1:02:55
8. Moses Cherop (Standard High School) 1:03:24
Women 20km
1. Dorcus Inzikuru (Arua) 1:15:06
2. Jane Suuto (Arua) 1:17:26
3. Catharine Webombesa (UPDF) 1:17:49
4. Irene Chemisto (Prisons) 1:18:34
5. Nyakesi Adero (Prisons) 1:18:45
6. Grace Muzaki (Arua) 1:21:09
7. Valentine Mukung (Arua) 1:30:15
8. Hellen Chebet (Arua) 1:33:53
