Amsterdam, Netherlands: Uganda’s long-distance icon Joshua Cheptegei is set to compete in the 50th edition of the TCS Amsterdam Marathon this Sunday, October 19, as he continues his bold transition from track dominance to the challenging world of marathon running.
The Olympic 5000m and 10,000m champion, who also holds world records in both events, will line up among a strong elite field over the 42.2km course in the Dutch capital. This will mark Cheptegei’s third marathon appearance, following his debut in Valencia in 2023, where he clocked 2:08:59, and an improved 2:05:59 finish in Tokyo earlier this year.
His focus now turns to Amsterdam, a course famed for its flat terrain, favorable weather, and fast times, factors that could help the Ugandan star chase a personal best or mount a serious challenge for the podium.
Cheptegei faces an elite lineup led by Tanzania’s Gabriel Geay, who holds a 2:03:00 personal best, and a strong Ethiopian contingent including Getaneh Molla (2:03:34), Tsegaye Getachew (2:04:49), and Bute Gemechu (2:04:51). The presence of these sub-2:05 runners sets the stage for a competitive, high-speed contest from the start.
Cheptegei will also be joined by NN Running Team colleagues Enock Kinyamal of Kenya, winner of the Eindhoven Marathon in 2:06:28, and Mesfin Niguse of Ethiopia, who posted 2:07:58 earlier this year. Their consistency across European circuits adds depth and tactical advantage to the NN team’s bid for top honors.
The European field promises added intrigue with Britain’s Phil Sesemann (2:08:04), Germany’s Haftom Welday (2:08:24), and Dutch favourite Khalid Choukoud (2:07:37) all expected to draw home support.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s former 10,000m world champion Muktar Edris will test his endurance in what will be his first major marathon appearance.
Cheptegei, 28, remains Uganda’s greatest hope for marathon glory as he continues to bridge his legendary track career with new ambitions on the roads, eyeing future World Marathon Majors and Olympic prospects in the 42km distance.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
