The chase for qualification to the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games will be in hot pursuit as athletes attempt to qualify at Saturday’s trials at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
The 5th Uganda Athletics Federation National Track and Field Trials are due February 3, 2018 with eight marathoners having made the cut already.
Shida Leni is the sole qualifier in the track booking a ticket to the Games in 400m during the 4th trials hosted at Mandela Stadium, Namboole. She will be making her second appearance in the Commonwealth Games after the Glasgow edition where she stormed the semi-finals.
The marathoners who hit the 2:15:00 qualifying mark include; Stephen Kiprotich, Solomon Mutai, Chemonges Robert, Kipsiro Moses, Ayeko Thomas, Chesakit Alex, Jackson Kiprop and Chepkorom Ezekiel.
Both Stephen Kiprotich and Solomon Mutai will miss the Games.
According to freshly elected UAF President Dominic Otucet, the goal is to send our best athletes.
“We will have the best in form athletes for the Games, the Common wealth has always been a good hunting ground for us and we hope to secure medals,” said Otucet.
Over 300 athletes are however expected to participate in the 5th trial with the deadline for qualification to the Commonwealth Games fast closing in on March 3, 2018.
2011 Commonwealth youth games gold medalist Halima Nakaayi and Dorcus Ajok will have a shot at qualifying in the 800 meters race at Saturday’s trials.
The Uganda Athletics Federation has been allocated 19 slots for the Commonwealth Games due in Gold Coast, Australia from April 4 to April 15, 2018.
