27 August 2023 | Athletics

Ugandan world champion Victor Kiplangat felt confident of victory in the 2023 Budapest World Athletics Championships marathon despite tough opposition on Sunday.

The 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist posted 8 minutes, 53 seconds - 19 seconds to emerge winner over Maru Teferi of Israel and Ethiopia's Leul Gebresilase.

Kiplangat had to stave off a challenge from both and while speaking to the media after the race, he expressed how confident he was in clinching the title.

"When I reached 30 km I knew I felt strong and decided to push. I had great energy and that allowed me to go. Then at 35 km, I could surge again," Kiplangat told Reuters.

"That was always my plan and I managed to do it. The pace was high but I had more to give. It was tough but I always felt I had the power. I know the Ethiopian was close but I was sure it was my day."

Kiplangat is Uganda's second gold in the world marathon. The first gold was secured by Stephen Kiprotich in 2013 during the Moscow edition.

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