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New Delhi, India | THE INDEPENDENT | Ugandan long-distance runner Joshua Cheptegei will participate in the New Delhi Half Marathon on Sunday, October 19th, in India. Cheptegei, who recently finished second in the Dam tot Dam 10-mile race late last month, expressed his interest in the half marathon as part of his ongoing journey towards a marathon career.
After his 10,000-meter victory at the Paris Summer Olympics, Cheptegei announced that he would be shifting his focus away from track and field competitions. Cheptegei will be joined by two other Ugandan marathoners, Benard Cheptoch and Emmanuel, as they prepare for the race.
The trio is hopeful for robust performances, citing their rigorous training preparations in Kapchorwa. “I believe we are set to compete favorably,” Cheptegei said.
The three-time world champion in the 10,000 meters is expected to face formidable competition from Ethiopia’s Edrice Muktar, who won the 2024 Dam tot Dam 10-mile race, and Kenya’s Martin Kimeli Korir, along with other talented athletes.
Addy Ruiter, Cheptegei’s coach, expressed confidence in the athlete’s training, which he described as positive. “We trust the process we undertook during preparations,” Ruiter said, emphasizing their readiness for the upcoming race.
Dominic Otucet, President of the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF), is optimistic about Cheptegei’s transition to marathon running, pointing to his recent performances in races such as the one in Amsterdam, Netherlands, as evidence of his progress.
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