Ugandan athletes dominated the Amazing Thailand World Mountain & Trail Championships 2021 Presented by NSDF which finished atop Doi Suthep overlooking Chiang Mai on Sunday.
Uganda’s Samuel Kibet clocked 40 minutes and 2 seconds to win the men’s Classic Up & Downhill (10.7km) event. Kenyan Patrick Kipngeno took second in 40.12min while Ugandan Timothy Toroitich sealed total domination for East African runners in third (40.26min).
Uganda’s Rebecca Cheptegei won the women’s event with a time of 46.25min, beating compatriot Annet Chelangat (46.52min) and American Allie McLaughlin (48.31).
In the junior Classic Up & Downhill (6km), Leonard Chemutai of Uganda hit the finish line first among the men in 21.07min while Britain’s Jessica Bailey prevented a Ugandan clean sweep by winning the women’s event in 26.27min.
Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said Thailand had grabbed the chance to host this world-class competition, which would now rotate to other countries and might not return for another 20 years. He thanked the organisers and medical teams for looking after the athletes on the gruelling mountainside courses.
“We are negotiating with World Athletics to hold other big events in Thailand, as preparation takes one to two years,” he said.
Source: The Nation