By Nabakiibi Doreen Malaika
Joshua Cheptegei, Uganda’s distance running sensation, has thrilled the athletics world with his evolution from track dominance to marathon ambitions. With Olympic golds, world records, and unmatched grit, Cheptegei is now zeroing in on conquering the classic 42.195 km distance.
Track Legacy: A Record-Breaking Career
Before moving to the road, Cheptegei had already built one of the finest résumés in track history:
- Olympic Gold: 10,000m champion at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- World Records: 5,000m in 12:35.36 and 10,000m in 26:11.00.
- Multiple world championship titles that cemented his place among the greats.
With his blistering pace, sharp race tactics, and ironclad endurance, Cheptegei was a presence every rival had to reckon with on the track.
Transition to the Marathon
Cheptegei took on his first marathon in Valencia 2023, clocking 2:08:59 a solid debut, but one he knew he could build on.
He returned stronger at the 2025 Tokyo Marathon, slicing three minutes off his time to post 2:05:59, finishing ninth. It was a statement run: he could hang with the best on the roads, and his learning curve was clearly upward.
Marathon Ambitions
Next up is the 2025 TCS Amsterdam Marathon on Sunday, October 19, an event marking its 50th anniversary. Amsterdam’s flat and fast course has produced some of the sport’s quickest times a perfect stage for Cheptegei to sharpen his strategy, test himself against a deep elite field, and aim for the podium.
Giving Back: Beyond Racing
Away from competition, Cheptegei is investing in his community through the Joshua Cheptegei Development Foundation (JOCDEF). One of its flagship projects is the Elgon Half Marathon, which focuses on youth empowerment, sports development, and regional growth.
The 2025 edition, organised in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), underscores his belief that athletics can drive real social change.
Looking Ahead
As Amsterdam approaches, all eyes are on Cheptegei. His shift from track legend to marathon contender has been defined by resilience, ambition, and adaptability. Each race is another chance to stretch his limits and inspire the next generation.
