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Uganda's long-distance athlete Joshua Cheptegei is set to make his first full marathon appearance in December this year, leaving questions over his future engagements on the track.
The NN Running Team athlete, in his announcement on June 2, stated that he feels it is time to expand his horizon after ten years of running on the track.
"I feel it is time to expand my horizon; I have been running on the track for 10 years now," Cheptegei said in a lengthy Facebook post.
"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 added.
However, Cheptegei noted that he is focusing on competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics Games on the track and will decide on his future after that.
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"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 what my next steps will be after the Olympic Games."
Despite Cheptegei's statements, his coach Benjamin Njia noted that marathon running is a transition stage to retirement.
"This is Joshua Cheptegei's tenth year on track, and in life, once a child grows, they need to transition to the next life; that is why we are trying the marathon," he said while appearing on NBS Sport.
"Most athletes opt for marathons as they prepare for retirement, so Joshua Cheptegei is following suit; however, he has retired from track running".
Cheptegei is set to make his marathon debut at the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso on December 3.
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Joshua Cheptegei, the 5000m and 10000m world record holder, hopes to get to his best shape.
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ATHLETICS Cheptegei on his dream, and the 'inner fire' that keeps him going
At just 26 years old, Cheptegei has already amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including Olympic gold in the 5000m, two world 10,000m titles, and world records in both events.
The 5000m and 10000m world record holder has participated in two half marathons, where he boasts a 59:21 personal best from the World Half Marathon Champs in 2020.
This year, in preparation for the World Championships, Cheptegei has broken 13 mins over 5000m in Florence, won bronze at the World Cross Country Championships in Australia and finished second in the New York Half Marathon in March.
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