On a brisk spring morning in the heart of Japan’s capital, two Ugandan stars lit up the streets of Tokyo with performances that not only claimed gold but also etched their names into the international distance running spotlight.
Joy Cheptoyek, 23, produced a masterclass in the women’s 10km event at the prestigious Tokyo Space Race, storming to victory in a dazzling time of 30:22.
Her commanding lead over Djibouti’s Samiyah Hassan Nour (30:40 – national record) and Australia’s Isobel Batt-Doyle (30:44 – Oceanian record) sent a clear message: Uganda’s rising star is a force to be reckoned with.
Held on a flat and fast course near Japan’s National Stadium, the race drew a world-class field in what many are calling a dress rehearsal for the World Athletics Championships set to take place in Tokyo later this year.
Backed by a formidable Ugandan contingent, Cheptoyek was not alone in her success. Teammates Rebecca Chelangat and Annet Chelangat delivered gutsy performances to finish fourth (30:59) and seventh (31:03), respectively, underscoring Uganda’s growing depth in women’s long-distance running.
While Cheptoyek shone in the 10K, it was 19-year-old Harbert Kibet who stunned the crowd in the men’s 5km ASICS Speed Race.
In a fearless display of pacing and composure, Kibet clocked a personal best of 13:00, breaking away early and never looking back.
His closest competitor, Mohamed Ismail of Djibouti, crossed the line 10 seconds later in 13:10, setting a national record while Kenya’s Samwel Nyamai Mailu secured third in 13:11.
Kibet’s breakthrough moment signals the arrival of a new generation of Ugandan talent in the fiercely competitive men’s middle-distance category.
It was a performance that had coaches, scouts and fans taking notice and one that the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) celebrated as a “world-class effort” and “a reflection of the hard work and discipline invested in our athletes.”
As anticipation builds for the World Athletics Championships, both Cheptoyek and Kibet have not only elevated their individual profiles but also carried the Ugandan flag with pride and promise.
