Kampala — UGANDA will send 13 athletes to next month's IAAF world championships in Berlin, Germany. It will be the largest contingent to the biennial track and field meet.Marathon runner Jane Suuto has joined eight others who had already hit the qualifying mark when her time set in April was approved by the sports' governing body IAAF.
Suuto, whose national record breaking time of 2:40.31 was run in France, becomes the first female athlete to qualify for this year's event. "It is good that we finally have a woman who has qualified. We hope two more will qualify," said athletics body secretary Beatrice Ayikoru.
Former world 3000m steeplechase champion Dorcus Inzikuru is currently in Europe trying her luck at hitting the qualifying mark. Sprinter Justine Bayigga, whose dreams of qualifying from the weekend Kenya qualifiers hit a snag as there was no free lane for her. She is now expected to fly out to France and try from there.
Martin Toroitich, Stephen Kiprotich and Moses Kibet are among those awaiting qualification, ahead of Uganda's final list to be released in two weeks time.
All the top athletes are also expected to compete in the MTN sponsored track and field meet on Friday and Saturday at Namboole.
Already qualified: Abraham Chepkirwok (800m), Moses Kipsiro, Geoffrey Kusuro (5000m), Boniface Kiprop (10000m), Benjamin Kiplagat, Simon Ayeko (3000mSc), Amos Masai, Simon Ruguti & Jane Suuto (marathon).
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