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New Delhi, India | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda long-distance runner Joshua Cheptegei has won the New Delhi Half Marathon in India
The 10,000 meters Paris summer Olympic Gold medalist secured the 2024 edition Half marathon victory in 59 minutes and 46 seconds, while Kenya’s Alex Matata came second in a time of 59 minutes and 50 seconds. Nicholas Kipkorir, also from Kenya came in third position after crossing the finish line in a time of 59 minutes and 57 seconds.
Cheptegei, ran with the leading pack from the beginning up to16 kilo-meters, when a group five athletes including Ethiopia’s Edris Muktar.
With his skill in long distance running, he accelerated the pace to 2 minutes and 48 seconds a per kilometer, that left two athletes out for five, while the two Kenyans insisted. 500-meters to the end of the formidable race, Cheptegei intensified the pace sprinting to the podium finish with joy and gratitude
Cheptegei, attributes the victory to the courage and self-motivation in learning from challenges.”
It’s another milestone and I want give God gratitude for enabling me confront and learning from this new marathon challenges”, he said. Adding that, I look forward to compete in multiple half marathons before get into the real 42 kilometers challenge”.
Njia Benjamin, the National coach and the vice president technical at Ugandan Athletics federation (UAF), attributed Cheptegei’s significant performance to discipline and consistency in training. He noted that the three-time world champion in 10000 meters, always sets his personal goals and he knows what he wants.
“He is one of a rare species in Ugandan athletics who pushes until he finds what he wants, said Njia while congratulating Cheptegei.
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