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Copenhagen hosting ‘an extraordinary demonstration of humanity in running’ – Coe

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The world’s best road runners will share the streets with thousands of recreational athletes this weekend as Copenhagen hosts what World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described as an “extraordinary demonstration of humanity in running”.

Six world titles will be decided across the road mile, 5km and half marathon at the World Athletics Road Running Championships Copenhagen 26, with the elite races forming part of a two-day festival of running in the Danish capital.

Speaking at the pre-event press conference on Friday (18), Coe highlighted participation as one of the key pillars of World Athletics and praised Copenhagen for embracing a format that brings together runners of all levels.

“This weekend is an extraordinary demonstration of humanity in running,” said Coe. “I’m so pleased that participation, which is one of our core pillars at World Athletics, is being demonstrated so clearly on the streets of Copenhagen this week.”

It is a concept with which Copenhagen is already familiar. The city hosted the World Half Marathon Championships in 2014, an edition that helped pioneer the model of staging mass participation races alongside an elite global championship.

Christopher Røhl, Mayor of Culture, Leisure and Citizen Services for the City of Copenhagen, believes the return of a global road running championship provides an opportunity to build on that legacy.

“Copenhagen has shown that world-class sport and mass participation belong together,” he said.

“Whether you are running your first mile, your first 5km, or you are competing for a world title, you are all part of the same event. This is the kind of running community that we want to strengthen here in Copenhagen.”

Few athletes on the start line will understand that community better than Denmark’s Jacob Sommer Simonsen, winner of the Copenhagen Half Marathon in 2023.

The Danish champion has watched the popularity of the sport grow rapidly in his home city and is looking forward to experiencing the championships from the sharp end.

“It’s crazy to see how running, and especially road running, is blooming and exploding here in Denmark, and especially in Copenhagen,” he said. “It’s wonderful to be part of a time when running is so popular, so I’m just trying to soak it all in.”

While thousands will be taking to Copenhagen’s streets for their own personal challenges, the battle for the six world titles promises to be fierce with Africa’s finest geared to challenge for podium positions in tomorrow’s (Saturday) 5km and mile races and Sunday’s half marathon.

For Agnes Ngetich, Copenhagen offers the possibility of completing a remarkable trio of victories across three different surfaces.

Agnes Jebet Ngetich wins the Senior Women’s race at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, USA. Can she add another gold this weekend? Photo by Sergio Mateo María for World Athletics)

The Kenyan started her year by winning the senior women’s title at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, before producing a dominant world-leading 3000m victory at the Monaco Diamond League. Now the world 10km record-holder turns her attention to the half marathon.

“That would be the dream, to win here,” said Ngetich. “We have a big line-up and, of course, everyone wants the title, but it would be my dream to win here. If I have a medal, it will be a nice way to close the season.”

Olympic 1500m bronze medallist Yared Nuguse arrives for the road mile just days after racing at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest. The US middle-distance star will bring his season to a close in Copenhagen and believes he is ready to end it on a high.

“I’m in the fitness of my life right now,” said Nuguse. “Based on how I’ve been doing, I know I’m very ready to just hammer out a really good race.”

Whatever the outcome, Nuguse says his enthusiasm for racing remains as strong as ever.

“Running is going to bring me joy regardless of the result,” he added. “Especially here in Copenhagen, on the road, this being my last race of the season, I’m just really excited to see what I can do.”

France’s Agathe Guillemot will also contest the road mile at the end of a season that has taken her from cross country to indoor and outdoor track, the Ultimate Championship and now the roads.

The world cross-country mixed relay silver medallist said she was relishing the opportunity to finish her long campaign as part of such a large running festival and is targeting the podium before finally taking a break.

Kenya-power at the World Cross Country Championships earlier this year. The country’s depth in talent will make them strong contenders for team medals this weekend. Photo – World Athletics

“I can’t wait to compete tomorrow,” said the European indoor 1500m champion. “Finishing the season with this kind of event makes me really happy because I have this amazing opportunity to share my final race with 60,000 people. I’m hoping to leave with a medal.”

European 10,000m champion Andreas Almgren is taking a different approach. After a track season highlighted by his first senior continental title, the Swede has deliberately turned towards the roads in search of a fresh challenge.

“I focused so much on the European Championships this year, so I wanted to do something completely different to feel very motivated again,” he said.

“This is the first stop of a very exciting autumn, so I’m really excited to go out there and road race again.”

For Coe, that combination of world-class competition, innovation and participation reflects what the World Road Running Championships were designed to achieve.

“We are, as an international federation, always out there trying to do things differently,” he said.

“This is really important for us. Innovation comes because you have the bravery to set out to do something differently that nobody else has done before, the resilience not to get deterred, and the focus to really execute. And that is what this weekend is all about.”

The post Copenhagen hosting ‘an extraordinary demonstration of humanity in running’ – Coe appeared first on Sports Network Africa.

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Kokolo’s last-gasp header denies BUL victory as UPPC snatch point

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  • Uganda Premier League| MD 9 | Saturday October 31st 
  • BUL FC 1-1 Entebbe UPPC FC

Reich Triomphe Kokolo left it late but delivered when Entebbe UPPC needed him most, rising to head home a dramatic 93rd-minute equaliser and deny BUL FC victory in a 1-1 Uganda Premier League draw at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru on Saturday.

BUL were just seconds away from collecting all three points after Alex Kitata had given them the lead, but Kokolo had other ideas. The UPPC forward connected with a delivery from Mitrail Ndza Sam Ruthefield deep into stoppage time to snatch a point for the visitors and leave the hosts frustrated.

It was Kokolo’s second goal of the season and a fitting reward for his persistence. His contribution also earned him the Man of the Match award, although his celebrations came at a price as he received a yellow card for taking off his shirt.

The visitors had shown early signs of danger, with Ibrahim Mugulusi coming close to opening the scoring in the seventh minute. However, BUL goalkeeper Wokorach was equal to the task, producing an excellent save to keep the hosts level.

The match had barely settled when an early collision between BUL’s Okello and UPPC’s Kokolo in the opening minute forced the referee to call for medical attention for both players.

The opening exchanges remained evenly contested, with neither side finding a breakthrough during the first 20 minutes. The tension spilt over in the 22nd minute when UPPC coach Abdullah Mubiru was cautioned after protesting a throw-in decision awarded to BUL and confronting the assistant referee.

UPPC suffered an early setback in the 31st minute when Mugulusi made way for Steven Munguchi, while BUL responded five minutes later by introducing Martin Aprem for Reagan Kalyowa.

Jonathan Odong became the next UPPC player to receive a yellow card in the 38th minute as the game grew increasingly competitive.

BUL eventually found the breakthrough three minutes later. Simon Achidi delivered a cross into the danger area, and Kitata was in the right place to tap home in the 42nd minute.

The celebrations were briefly interrupted when Kitata collided with the goalpost and went down, requiring treatment before play could continue.

Aprem picked up a yellow card in the 45th minute as BUL went into the break with a 1-0 advantage after three minutes of added time.

UPPC returned from the interval with renewed purpose and almost found an immediate response. Just a minute into the second half, Wokorach produced another fine save to deny the visitors what looked like a certain equaliser.

BUL made their second change in the 50th minute, bringing on Laurence Olaboro for Derrick Byabachwezi, as they sought to maintain their advantage.

George Kasonko was booked in the 57th minute before the hosts made a triple substitution in the 69th minute, introducing Swabir Mpasa, Sowedi Lwenda and Benon Niyonzima for Kasonko, Kitata and Richard Okello.

Niyonzima was cautioned a minute after coming on, while UPPC introduced Ibrahim Oriti for Sharif Sengendo in the 71st minute.

As the minutes slipped away, BUL appeared to have done enough to protect their lead. They remained in front at the 80th and 85th-minute marks, leaving UPPC with little time to find a way back.

Four minutes were added at the end of regulation time, and UPPC made one final change in the 92nd minute, sending on Mitrail Ndza Sam Ruthefield for Thomas Ochungo.

It was a substitution that would make all the difference.

Barely a minute after coming on, Ruthefield provided the delivery that Kokolo met with a powerful header in the 93rd minute, sending the ball into the net and rescuing a point for the visitors.

Kokolo’s celebrations were understandably emotional, but removing his shirt earned him a booking. By then, however, the damage to BUL’s hopes of victory had been done.

The draw leaves BUL third on the league table with 20 points, while Entebbe UPPC occupy fourth position on 16 points, four behind their opponents.

BUL will have little time to dwell on the dropped points as they prepare to host SC Villa on November 3. Entebbe UPPC, meanwhile, will travel to the Kira Road Police Arena to face Ntugasaze on November 5.

Elsewhere, Kitara FC also picked up maximum points after edging UPDF FC 1-0 at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. Benjamin Nyakoojo scored the only goal of the match in the 13th minute, finishing off a pass from Jeromy Kirya.

KCCA FC enjoyed a 3-1 away victory over Mbarara City FC in Kamwenge. Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Charles Lwanga and Sammy Ssebaduka found the net for the visitors, while Ronald Odwok scored Mbarara City’s consolation.

In Bukedea, Fahad Aziz Bayo scored the decisive goal as NEC FC overcame a stubborn Blacks Power side 1-0 to collect all three points.

The day’s programme was scheduled to conclude with URA FC hosting Vipers SC at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, in an 8 pm kick-off.

The post Kokolo’s last-gasp header denies BUL victory as UPPC snatch point appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

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Kenya’s Baseball5 aims for Dakar glory despite challenges

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Kenya’s Baseball5 team is heading to the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games focused on winning gold, but a shortage of suitable training facilities has left head coach Joel Wangicho worried about the squad’s match fitness ahead of the continental showpiece.

Led by captain Shantel Luciana, the team departs for Senegal on Thursday, October 29, ahead of the competition scheduled to run from October 31 to November 3.

Since returning from Botswana about two weeks ago, the team has struggled to secure suitable training facilities, disrupting preparations for its first appearance at the Youth Olympic Games.

“The team, I would say, is ready,” coach Wangicho said.

“We started well in terms of preparation, but we had a hitch because from the time we left Botswana, that’s almost like one and a half weeks ago, the team has been struggling to get training time. We’ve been hosted where there’s no field of play. That has given us… I’d say I’m worried as a coach because the kind of fitness I wanted to build on from the Botswana game hasn’t been achieved. But all the same, we are ready for Dakar.”

Despite the setbacks, captain Luciana says teamwork and the responsibility of representing Kenya will be key as the squad chases gold at the global stage.

“We have teamwork, we should cooperate, and my team, they have teamwork. For us, it’s a motivation. As Kenyans, we’re representing Kenya, and they have hope in us, so it’s a bit of motivation. We have to win so they’ll also be happy because they’re motivating us. It’s our first time, so we hope to win and bring Kenya something good.”

Beyond Dakar, the team’s campaign could boost the growth of Baseball5 in Kenya, with plans to introduce the sport in schools from next year, subject to the necessary arrangements.

The post Kenya’s Baseball5 aims for Dakar glory despite challenges appeared first on Sports Network Africa.

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Free-Scoring BUL face ultimate ‘Litmus Test’ against resilient Entebbe UPPC defense

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League leaders BUL face a stern test to their unbeaten record this Saturday when they host defensive powerhouses Entebbe UPPC at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

Alex Isabirye’s men currently sit comfortably at the summit of the 18-team standings with 19 points. Boasting a four-point cushion over their upcoming opponents—who have played an extra game—the hosts have a golden opportunity to break away from the chasing pack.

However, securing maximum points will require unlocking the most stubborn backline in the division. Entebbe UPPC arrives in Njeru having conceded just twice in their opening eight matches.

Narrative and Familiar Faces

The tactical battle features an intriguing subplot of shifting loyalties. BUL’s dangerous attacking trident of Simon Achidi, Swabir Mpasa, and Richard Okello will square off directly against former teammates Tah Barni and Thomas Ochungu. The defensive duo has enjoyed a stellar start to life at the Entebbe-based club alongside right-back Jonathan Odong, anchoring the league’s most ruthless defense.

Despite the high stakes, BUL tactician Alex Isabirye remains calm and confident in his team’s preparation.

“We are not under pressure because we are top of the table,” Isabirye stated ahead of the clash. “We are ready for the game, though we know it will be a tough match against a good side like Entebbe UPPC. I respect their coaches and the work they have done. They are well-organized and hard to break down, but we have prepared well and we are going for maximum points at home.”

Team News and Historical Edge

Both squads enter the fixture missing key personnel. BUL FC will navigate the tie without Denis Ssewagudde and Edward Masembe, who have both been granted compassionate leave. Meanwhile, Abdallah Mubiru’s visitors will look to cope without the services of Hassan Ssenyonjo.

History heavily favors the visitors. Entebbe UPPC dominated this fixture last season, completing a resounding league double with a 2-0 away win followed by a 4-0 thrashing at home. Overall, the Printers lead the head-to-head meetings with three wins, four draws, and two losses.

Packed Super Saturday Schedule

The BUL-UPPC blockbuster headlines a massive Saturday roster across the country. Elsewhere, SC Villa travels to Najjembe to face Lugazi, while KCCA visits Mbarara City at the Rwamwanja Stadium in Kamwenge.

A spectacular double-header at the Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo will see UPDF take on Kitara in the late afternoon, followed by a heavyweight night-time clash between URA and reigning champions Vipers SC under the floodlights while NEC visits Blacks Power in Bukedea

Summary of fixtures

Saturday October 31, 2026

  • Lugazi vs SC Villa – Lugazi stadium, Najjembe 4pm
  • Mbarara City vs KCCA – Rwamwanja stadium, Kamwenge 4pm
  • BUL vs Entebbe UPPC – Fufa Technical Centre, Njeru 4pm
  • Blacks Power vs NEC – Bukedea Sports Complex 4pm
  • UPDF vs Kitara – Hamz stadium, Nakivubo 5pm
  • URA vs Vipers – Hamz stadium, Nakivubo 8pm

Sunday November 1, 2026

  • Ntugasaze vs Express – Kira Police Arena, Kamwokya 4pm
  • Maroons vs Kigezi Home Boyz – Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku 4pm

The post Free-Scoring BUL face ultimate ‘Litmus Test’ against resilient Entebbe UPPC defense appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

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