As athletes line up on Saturday for the 46th edition of the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, USA, Uganda will be represented not only on the course but also at the highest level of event administration.
Uganda Athletics (UA) Secretary Beatrice Ayikoru will play a central role at the global showpiece after being appointed Technical Delegate for the championships.
While the world’s best distance runners battle for medals, Ayikoru will be tasked with one of the most critical responsibilities of the event overseeing all technical matters to ensure the championships are conducted in line with World Athletics regulations. Her role is widely regarded as one of the most influential on competition day, as the overall success of the event largely depends on the effectiveness of the technical delegation.
As Technical Delegate, Ayikoru will supervise all technical preparations before and during the championships. This includes verifying the competition course, overseeing course measurement and layout, monitoring the timing and results systems, and ensuring that all competition arrangements comply with World Athletics Technical Rules and meet required international standards.
Ayikoru’s appointment is a significant milestone not only for her personal career but also for Ugandan athletics, highlighting the country’s growing influence beyond athlete participation to leadership and governance at the global level.
Reflecting on her role, Ayikoru expressed pride in the opportunity to serve the sport at the highest stage.
“I have previously served as a Technical Delegate at Africa Athletics Cross Country and Regional Championships. It is always good to serve athletics and sports in any capacity,” she said.
Her experience at national, continental, and international levels has positioned her as a trusted official capable of handling the demands of a world-class championship.