In this article:
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Jacob Kiplimo targets historic world title hat-trick
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Strong contention in Uganda’s women’s ranks
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Youth prospects and mixed relay selections
The 25-year-old is bidding to become the first man in history to win three consecutive senior world cross-country titles, following his dominant victories in Bathurst in 2023 and Belgrade in 2024. Jacob Kiplimo, who also holds the world half-marathon record, first rose to prominence on home soil in Kampala in 2017, where he secured the Under-20 gold.
His pursuit of a senior “hat-trick” comes as Uganda seeks to cement its status as a global powerhouse in long-distance running. Jacob Kiplimo will lead a men’s squad that blends veteran experience with emerging talent, including Kenneth Kiprop—the reigning world U20 5000m champion—and seasoned campaigner Deogracius Musobo.
Strong contention in women’s ranks
Sarah Chelangat of Uganda competing during the Women 10,000 Metres Final on day one of the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025 at National Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Uganda’s ambitions extend beyond the men’s senior race. The women’s team is bolstered by the return of Sarah Chelangat, who finished fifth in Belgrade two years ago, and Joy Cheptoyek, a finalist in the 10,000m at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
The Under-20 categories also feature high-profile names, most notably Charity Cherop, a world U20 bronze medallist over 5000m, who is expected to challenge for a podium place in the junior women’s event.
A ‘rollercoaster’ in Florida
The championships return to United States soil for the first time in over 30 years, held at the Apalachee Regional Park. Athletes will face a technical 10km course described by organisers as a “rollercoaster,” featuring red clay paths, sand hazards, and steep rolling hills.
Dominic Otuchet, President of the Uganda Athletics Federation, expressed confidence that the squad can improve on their previous medal hauls. “We are positive that this team has all the potential to make Uganda proud,” he said. “We see strong medal prospects across the senior and junior categories.”
The event will also feature a 2km mixed relay, where Uganda will field a four-person team including Sylvia Chelangat and Silas Chemutai.
The Squad List
| Category | Athletes |
| Senior Men | Jacob Kiplimo, Dolphine Chelimo, Dan Kibet, Emmanuel Kibet, Keneth Kiprop, Deogracius Musobo |
| Senior Women | Sarah Chelangat, Rebecca Chelangat, Kereen Chemusto, Martha Chemutai, Joy Cheptoyek, Rispa Cherop |
| U20 Men | Solomon Andiema, Daniel Kiprotich Chelogoi, Abraham Cherotich, Dan Kipyeko, Jeremiah Kwemoi |
| U20 Women | Peace Chebet, Felister Chekwemoi, Nancy Chepkwurui, Charity Cherop, Bentalin Yeko |
| Mixed Relay | Brenda Chekwemoi, Sylvia Chelangat, Silas Chemutai, Daniel Comboni |