Cheptegei returns to national team for World Championships in Copenhagen

Joshua Cheptegei is set to make his return to the Uganda national team after retiring from track athletics, as he leads a 16-member squad to the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, on September 19-20. Cheptegei last represented Uganda at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games before stepping away from track competition. His return to the national team comes as Uganda prepares to compete in the 21km, 5km , and one-mile races. The team, comprising eight women and eight men, will be led by the three-time 10,000m world champion in the half marathon (21km race). Cheptegei will compete alongside Mande Bushendich, Martin Kiprotich , and Feb Chelogoi. The women's 21km team comprises Esther Chebet, Esther Chekwemoi Yeko, Annet Chemengich Chelangat , and Rebecca Chelangat. In the 5km, Uganda will field Charity Cherop and Martha Chemusto in the women's race, while Alex Kiplangat and Kenneth Kiprop will represent the men. Felister Chekwemoi and Patience Cherop will compete in the women's one-mile race, with Silas Chemutai and Hosea Kiprop representing the men. As the most experienced athlete on the team, Cheptegei is expected to provide leadership and inspire his teammates as they seek strong performances in Copenhagen. Uganda Athletics (UA) publicity secretary Namayo Mawerere said the federation believes it has selected a strong team for the championships. 'We have a lot of trust in the team and hope for the best results. Athletes have been training well. They are fit and are waiting to put up a good show,' Mawerere said. Uganda will also be hoping to build on its history at the World Athletics Road Running Championships. Jacob Kiplimo remains the country's only medalist at the event after winning the men's half marathon at the 2020 championships in Gdynia, Poland. The most recent edition was held in 2023 in Riga, Latvia, where Kenya's Sebastian Sawe won the men's half marathon title.