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Netherlands, Amsterdam | THE INDEPENDENT | Ugandan long-distance runner Joshua Cheptegei will participate in the Dam tot Damloop 10-mile Race (16 kilometres), in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Cheptegei showed his interest in the 16-kilometre road race, viewing it as the welcoming event to Marathon after he recently announced that, track and field competitions will not be part of him after his 10000-meter victory in the Paris Summer Olympics.
Cheptegei is positive about his participation in the Saturday race and is determined to deliver a robust performance in Dam to Damloop after a month of focused training.
“At least I have even taken part in this race in 2016, and I have mastered the course right, so winning is a possibility,” Cheptegei said. He adds, “I also want to discover new challenges in road racing, for challenges keep me strong and better in my career”.
Coach Njia Benjamin, in an interview with Uganda Radio Network, stated that Cheptegei’s preparation was positive and he expects that, the athlete will deliver positive results during the race.
Njia also explained that Cheptegei will be running alongside his Ugandan training partner, Kenneth Kwemoi. “With the short preps the duo undertook, we look forward to a spectacular performance,” Njia mentioned.
Beatrice Ayikoru, the General Secretary at Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF), noted that since track and field season has concluded, and also Cheptegei transitioning to the marathon, it is ideal to for him begin with lesser distance in road racing as he upgrades to a full marathon.
“I implore Cheptegei to focus and stick on the tactics of the game as he always delivered on Track” Ayikoru mentioned.
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