Cheptegei posts personal best time as he qualifies for World Athletics Championship
Uganda’s flag has again been raised high after long distance runner; Joshua Cheptegei qualified for the World Athletics Championships.
During the Tokyo Marathon, Cheptegei, an Olympic 5,000m and 10,000m champion came ninth but posted a personal best of 2:05:56 in his second career marathon.
Whereas he fell short of his earlier target during the 42.195km-journey, Cheptegei said he was happy with his time and performance as he paves a new road ahead.
“I can probably say that now, I’ve at least run almost three minutes off my PB and this is really incredible for me. It was not the time that I was hoping for. With the conditions today, I am really so proud and it’s a big step for me moving forward,” he said.
“The weather wasn’t really, really, really so good and also, I think I should have moved with the first group maybe but regardless, I’m not complaining and I’m really satisfied with the result and it can be a buildup for next season. This is really important for me.”
Despite not having a podium finish, Cheptegei qualified for the World Athletics Championships.
Another Ugandan runner, Stephen Kissa came 25th after posting a time of 2:09:34 .
He already secured his spot by achieving a time of 2:06:22 at the Osaka Marathon last month.
