KAMPALA, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Fifty-nine countries and regions have entered to take part in the 2017 International Association of Athletics Federations World Cross Country Championship scheduled to take place here over this weekend.
Beatrice Ayikoru, secretary general of the Uganda Athletics Federation told Xinhua on Tuesday that after the final closing date, they have now confirmed 59 nations and regions and 553 athletes in total.
"United Arab Emirates had shown interest but they did not submit their final entry, while Iraq had confirmed but did not make the final entry. Egypt and Cameroon that were not in the preliminary entry also entered," said Ayikoru.
The event scheduled for March 26 will attract both senior and junior athletes.
Ayikoru said Uganda will field a strong team because they must ensure the medals remain at home. The hosts expect stiff competition from the likes of Kenya, Ethiopia and Eritrea which have world stars.
