Uganda Athletics Federation opts for stringent drugs control measures ahead of MTN Kampala Marathon
Usage of performance boosting drugs by the athletes ahead of major competitions has become a common norm. Perhaps that is the reason that athletic federations around the world are opting for stringent measures to ensure a fair play in athletics.
The controls are not only set to punish the guilty but also to serve as an example for the rest of the players.
Encountering a similar challenge ahead of MTN Kampala Marathon, the Uganda Athletics Federation has decided to toughen its drugs cheats programme.
The race, to be held on this Saturday, will be able to provide a fair chance to all the runners to grapple for the meet title.
Airing a warning to the potential participants, the organizing secretary of the Uganda Athletics Federation, Faustino Kiwa, said, “Athletes who fail doping tests after the marathon will have their results and awards cancelled after the respective races have
ended. The athletes will be tested after the race at a doping center at the marathon, come that day, however the results will not be instant as the dope samples will be sent to South Africa by DHL”.
The MTN Kampala Marathon is expected to produce a cut throat competition among a strong field that is looking forward to dominate the course.
Provided the fact that the real battle will be set between the Kenyan contingent and the Ethiopian performers, along with the athletes from Uganda, the spectators have set the mood to observe a fierce showdown.
The winners of the event will bag a hefty sum of 16 million. Considering the size of the prize money, it is expected that the runners from Tanzania and Rwanda will also strive to put up the best of their performances.
As per the plans to combat ‘drug usage’ by the athletes, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) will send a team that will test the runners once the race is over. The said team will conduct the tests randomly.
As far the race is concerned, Dorcus Inzikuru, the runner from Uganda is looking forward to defending her title over the distance of 21km, while Moses Ndiema Kipsiro will strive to emerge triumphant in the 10km race.
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