By: Our sports Reporter
Uganda’s long-distance running icon Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei will begin his 2026 athletics season at the Burj2Burj Half Marathon in Dubai on February 8, setting the stage for another crucial year in his evolving career.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist confirmed that the Dubai race will mark his first competitive outing of the season as he targets a stronger and more consistent campaign than last year. Cheptegei is continuing his gradual transition from track dominance to road racing, with a particular focus on mastering the marathon.
Cheptegei explained that half marathon races play a key role in sharpening his speed and endurance as he prepares for full marathon events later in the season. The approach mirrors the strategy adopted by several elite distance runners who use shorter road races to build race sharpness and tactical strength.
The world record holder in both the 5,000m and 10,000m made his marathon debut in Valencia in 2023, a highly anticipated step in his career. He followed that up with a significant performance at the Amsterdam Marathon last year, where he clocked a personal best time of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 52 seconds, underlining his growing potential over the 42-kilometre distance.
The Burj2Burj Half Marathon is expected to provide a stern early-season test. Cheptegei is set to face strong competition from Kenya’s Nicholas Kipkorir and Tanzania’s Alphonce Simbu, both experienced road runners with proven half marathon credentials.
As Uganda’s most decorated distance runner continues to redefine his career on the roads, all eyes will be on Dubai to see how Cheptegei measures up against elite opposition and how his preparations for the marathon season are shaping up.
