KAMPALA, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan distance runner Moses Kipsiro has been voted the national Athlete of the Year for the third year running by the Ugandan Athletics Federation (UAF) over the weekend, local media reported on Monday.

The Standard Club athlete, who had to battle several injuries during the season, had a one-man run on Saturday evening to the top accolade that comes with a 1 million Ugandan shillings (about 533 U.S. dollars) cash prize.

Kipsiro's silver medal at the World Cross Country Championships in Amman, Jordan, the fourth place finish at the World Championships in Berlin and the national record of 9:30.45 he set over the 3,000m were too big an achievement for his rivals. He is also the national cross country champion.

"Winning it this year is a surprise. I did not compete much. I promise to give my best to win the accolade next year," Kipsiro was quoted by the state-owned New Vision daily as saying while receiving the crown from National Council of Sports general secretary Jasper Aligawesa.

Aligawesa hailed UAF for its unity saying that this has helped them achieve results. He also cautioned them against taking their matters to court as it destroys the sports spirit.

First runner-up Geoffrey Kusuro was noted for his gold at the World Mountain Running Championships in Italy. Haadi Nsamba and Agnes Aneno were crowned upcoming male and female athletes respectively.