Ugandan long-distance runner Joshua Cheptegei set a new marathon personal best during the Tokyo Marathon in Japan on Sunday. The three-time World Champion in the 10,000 meters completed the 42km race in 2:05:59, finishing in ninth position.
The race was won by Ethiopia’s Tadese Geleta, who secured the victory with a time of 2:03:23. Deresa Geleta, also from Ethiopia, finished second with a time of 2:03:51, while Kenya’s Vincent Kipkwemoi claimed third place with a time of 2:04:00.
Cheptegei’s personal best earned him a spot at the World Championships in Tokyo, following in the footsteps of defending Marathon World Champion Victor Kiplangat, who also announced his participation in the Boston Marathon scheduled for April 21, 2025.
Cheptegei broke his previous personal best of 2:08:59, set at the 2023 Valencia Marathon in Spain. He expressed his gratitude to God for helping him achieve the PB.
“I am grateful to God Almighty for enabling me to complete my second marathon and improve my time,” Cheptegei said. He added, “I look forward to preparing for the World Championships, which are slated for September in the same city.”
Dominic Otuchet, President of the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF), commended Cheptegei’s performance, acknowledging that his marathon qualification is pivotal for the upcoming World Championships, a prestigious event in World Athletics.
Addy Ruiter, Cheptegei’s coach, praised the performances during the qualification season, noting that they are a sign that the Ugandan long-distance star is adapting to the new challenge in the marathon.