KAMPALA, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) — Uganda’s world champion Joshua Cheptegei is set to make a robust impression in his marathon debut.
The 5,000m and 10,000m world report holder advised Xinhua on Monday that he is stepping into good condition forward of the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso, a World Athletics Platinum Label Road Race, on December 3.
“I know it will not be easy going for my first competition in marathon. But I have been running on the track for 10 years now and have a lot of experience at international level,” stated Cheptegei.
The 27-year-old Ugandan star, who has clinched the previous three 10,000m world titles and gold within the 5,000m on the Tokyo Olympics, acknowledged the extent of competitors he’ll face within the marathon.
“For next year, my focus will be on the track at the Paris Olympic Games, but hopefully my marathon debut will be a good experience and then I can decide after the Olympic Games what my next steps will be,” added Cheptegei.
Dominic Otuchet, president of the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF), conveyed his confidence to Xinhua that Cheptegei will carry out effectively in his marathon debut.
“Cheptegei is a very hard-working athlete who has a lot of focus. He is preparing well and I am sure he will be in good form in his first marathon,” stated Otuchet.