Ugandan racer Abraham Chepkirwok is expected to battle most of Africa's elite runners at the IAAF grand prix race slated for Saturday in Dakar, Senegal.

The World Junior 800m bronze medalist traveled with upcoming steeplechase star Benjamin Kiplagat on Thursday for the one day competition which could boost their ranking on the IAAF charts.

Chepkirwok has been preparing for his maiden appearance at the IAAF World Athletics Championships set for August 25th to September 2nd in Osaka, Japan.

The 18-year-old clocked 1:47.79 to take the bronze in the 800 category at the IAAF World Junior Championships held last August in Beijing, China.

In November 2006, Chepkirwok had been awarded the Upcoming Male Athlete of the East African country by Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) for his performance in Beijing.

Source: Xinhua