Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Uganda’s long-distance runner Joshua Cheptegei claimed gold at the 2026 Burj2Burj Half Marathon after a thrilling sprint finish, winning the 21-kilometre race in 59 minutes and 26 seconds in a fiercely contested East African battle.
Cheptegei narrowly beat Kenya’s Nicholas Kipkorir, who crossed the line in 59:28, while Tanzania’s Alphonce Felix Simbu finished third in 59:30. Kenya’s Enos Kipruto was fourth in 1:00:03, with Ethiopia’s Lulu Negera completing the top five in 1:00:04.
The leading trio ran shoulder to shoulder for much of the race, only breaking apart in the final metres when Cheptegei unleashed a powerful finishing kick to seal victory.
“I am trusting the process, and this win means a lot to me. I have to keep the dream alive as I look forward to my next marathon race,” Cheptegei said, adding that the Dubai half marathon was a crucial test to build endurance and gain experience on the road.
In the women’s race, Kenya’s Irine Chepet Cheptai dominated the field to win in 1:06:57.
Uganda Athletics Federation president Dominic Otuchet praised Cheptegei’s performance, describing it as another key milestone in his decorated career. “This is a spectacular performance and a clear sign of continued progress. We are proud of him and confident he will achieve even more on the road and in the marathon,” Otuchet said.
The Dubai victory adds to a growing period of global success for Ugandan distance running, linking Cheptegei’s triumph to the recent Chicago Marathon win by fellow Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo. In October 2025, Kiplimo won the Chicago Marathon in 2:02:23, marking the fastest marathon time ever recorded by a Ugandan and the seventh-fastest in history, as he outpaced a world-class field and clinched a World Marathon Major title.
The Chicago Marathon victory came only months after Kiplimo’s second-place finish at the London Marathon and underscored Uganda’s rising prominence in long-distance road racing globally.
Cheptegei and Kiplimo are now both focused on their marathon campaigns this season, with Cheptegei’s Burj2Burj performance seen as part of that broader push toward major marathon success.
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