Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei proclaims long-awaited marathon debut

Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda, already an Olympic 5,000m champion and a two-time 10,000m world champion, remains to be removed from full. The 26-year-old, certainly one of solely 10 males to carry each data concurrently, mentioned he feels it is time to distance himself and plans to take action in Valencia on December 3. .

of Valencia MarathonRecognized for its quick, flat course, the 26-year-old has acquainted floor. “I set two world data there they usually organized NN Valencia World File Day for me through the Covid-19 pandemic,” mentioned Cheptegay. world athletics. “Now they’ve given me the possibility to run my first marathon. I’m working with Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya, among the finest marathoners on this planet.

Marathon debut 🦍🇺🇬🇪🇸 – @ Marathon Valencia
I really feel that now’s the time to broaden my horizons. I’ve been working on the observe for 10 years. I’ve all the time centered on observe distance, although I knew the marathon was ready for me. It is an ambition that I am actually enthusiastic about. pic.twitter.com/yApcDPM5Ll

— Joshua Chepteghey🇺🇬🇺🇬🥇🥇 (@joshuacheptege1) July 2, 2023

Cheptegei says his essential focus subsequent yr would be the 2024 Paris Olympics, however he hopes his marathon debut might be a great expertise and that it’s going to give him an concept of ​​what course his race will take after the Olympics. will allow you to determine. Cheptegei completed second on the New York Half Marathon in March (his second long-distance try) and accomplished a PR of 59:21 on the 2020 World Half Marathon Champions.

Valencia’s present course report is a really quick 2:01:53, set by a Kenyan runner in 2022. Kelvin Keptum, Marathon debut too. Having gained the race in lower than 2:04 the final 4 instances, Cheptegei’s debut in such a surprisingly quick race might be extremely anticipated.