Kampala — LEADING mountain runner Geoffrey Kusuro got an early Christmas present when he finished second in the Obudu Ranch international mountain running championships in Abuja, Nigeria over the weekend.

The position in the IAAF recognised race, came with a cash prize of $15,000 (sh29.5m) courtesy of the organisers.

The 19-year-old distance athlete is expected back in the country today morning with another lead athlete Martin Toroitich who finished outside the top runners.

Kusuro was not the bookies favourite despite finishing second overall in last year's event but became the surprise toast of the day.

Having just recovered from an injury sustained at the Beijing Olympic Games in August, Kusuro raced next to an Ethiopian quartet that included the experienced Abebe Dinkesa and Amir Awash. Abebe was fourth at the 2005 World Cross Country.

However, towards the last 3km stretch, it was a race between the three as Dinkesa broke away with Awash dropping to third position.

Kusuro also failed to measure up to the pace settling for second place in his third mountain race. He won the world junior event last year.

Men results

1 A. Dinkesa (ETH) 41:45

2 G. Kusuro (UGA) 42:36

3 A. Fikadu (ETH) 42:42

4 T. Regassa (ETH) 42:47

5 L.Yigezu (ETH) 4 2:48