by Larry Eder
Uganda has a long and respectul history in the sport of athletics. With the World Cross Country being hosted in Uganda, the support of the local community, and the running community was intense.
That is why the victory of Jacob Kiplimo was and is so important. The sixteen year old young man ran a brilliant race over the 8000 meters (four laps). Wesley Ledama (KEN) and Ronald Kirui (KEN) lead early, with Jacob Kiplimo right behind. Each lap, the Ugandan fans were louder and louder, cheering, urging, beseeching the sixteen year old Ugandan to take the great chance, and win the race for his country!
And that is just what Jacob Kiplimo did, running away froj Ledama and Kirui, who finished 10th and 14th! Jacob Kiplimo crossed the finish line, to the cheers and loving support of his country people, in 22:40! In second, Amdework Walelegn, (ETH) ran 22:43. In third, Richard Kimyunyan (KEN) finished in 22:52.
It also tells us that Uganda has some young, talented distance runners, who can do battle with the very best in the world. Jacob Kiplimo could be a real talent. Today, he is taking pictures with the President of Uganda and everyone in between!
First American was Paul Roberts, 33rd in 25:31.
Team winners were: Ethiopia, 17, Kenya, 28, Eritrea, 55, Uganda, 56. US team was ninth in 189.
