)
Joshua Cheptegei is set to make his highly anticipated marathon debut at the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso on December 3.
The 26-year-old, who already holds the world records in the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters, aims to expand his horizons and challenge himself in the iconic distance.
"“I feel it is time to expand my horizon. I have been running on the track for 10 years now," said Cheptegei.
Cheptegei recently ran the seventh-fastest 5000m of all time, behind his own world record of 12:35.36, when finishing second to Berihu Aregawi in the Lausanne Diamond League meeting.
"I always had full focus on the track distances, while I knew the marathon was waiting for me. It is an ambition that I am really excited to go for, it will be new and challenging,” he explained.
“For next year my focus will be on the track at the Paris Olympic Games.”
“But hopefully my marathon debut will be a good experience and then I can decide after the Olympic Games what my next steps will be,” he added.
Valencia holds a special place in Cheptegei's heart as it is where he set two of his world records. In 2019, he clocked an incredible time of 26:38 in the 10km race.
The following year, he broke the 10,000 meters world record with a remarkable time of 26:11.00.
"I have run two of my world records there and they organized the NN Valencia World Record Day for me in Covid-times," Cheptegei told World Athletics.
"Now they have given me the opportunity to run my first marathon. I already know the track in Valencia and I am very excited to explore the roads here."
Cheptegei's preparation for the marathon distance has included competing in two half marathons.
In 2020, he achieved an impressive personal best of 59:21 at the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships, and finished second at the New York half marathon in March.
The Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso has a reputation for fast and flat courses, attracting top-tier athletes from around the world.
Last year's edition witnessed Kelvin Kiptum and Amane Beriso setting course records of 2:01:53 and 2:14:58, respectively, placing them in third position on the all-time lists for men's and women's marathons.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)