18 August 2023 | Athletics

Ugandan long-distance runner Joshua Cheptegei is considering retirement from track events after the 2023 Budapest World Championships in Hungary from 19 to 28 August.

The 26-year-old wants to embark on road running, especially the half marathons and marathons.

He has so far featured in two races this season, winning none but managing 3 podium places. He finished 2nd at the New York Half Marathon and at the Lausanne - Diamond League.

At the championships which will unfold at Hungary’s new National Athletics Centre Cheptegei is going to run the 5,000m and 10,000m alongside Oscar Chelimo, Rogers Kibet and Joel Ayeko.

"This is my last career championship on the track if all goes well and at the back of my I would love to defend this race. Being the reigning champion, my eye is set to title defence and it will be a sweet time to
retire," he told Nimsport Uganda.

"However, as a sport, we would like to see new entrants and blood coming through to keep the trend moving."

Cheptegei is the world record holder for both 5,000m and 10,000m and he looks to retain or even better the record.

Recent Comments