Uganda names 23-member team for 2025 World Mountain Running Championships

The Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) has unveiled a 23-member squad to represent the country at the 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, slated for September 24–28 in Canfranc-Pirineos, Spain.

The contingent comprises 12 men, 11 women, and two officials, who will compete across four categories: the 6km uphill, 7km U20, 14km classic uphill, and the 45km short trail race.

The women’s lineup includes: Angelien Chelimo, Kereen Chemusto, Martha Chemusto, Rebecca Cherop, Rispa Cherop, Kerine Cherop, Saibi Chebet, Nancy Chepkwurui, Nowel Cheruto, Felister Chelwemoi, and Andronicas Chebet.

The men’s side features: Isaac Mande Kibet, Eliud Cherop, Alex Kiplangat, Deogracious Musobo, Martin Magengo Kiprotich, Isaac Masai, Abel Chebet, Aziz Chebet, Enos Chebet, Titus Musau, Abraham Cherotich, and Victor Kwemboi.

Benjamin Njia, national coach and UAF vice president for technical affairs, noted that the squad has been in intensive high-altitude training in Kapchorwa, one of Uganda’s leading endurance training hubs.

“This team has been undergoing rigorous drills and altitude training in Kapchorwa. We are confident that they will represent Uganda with pride and compete at the highest level,” Njia said.

The team will be captained by long-distance runner Abel Chebet, a multiple-time national champion, who will line up in the 14km classic uphill race. He will lead a squad that blends experienced names with rising talent.

Officials Joshua Kibet and Immaculate Chemutai will provide technical and logistical support in Spain.  The 2025 championships are expected to attract elite runners worldwide, with Uganda keen to consolidate its growing reputation in mountain and trail running.

In recent years, Ugandan athletes have consistently broken into top global rankings, underlining the country’s emergence as a serious contender in endurance disciplines. The team is expected to travel to Spain several days before the event to acclimatise and finalise preparations.