Uganda’s two-time Olympic champion and world record holder, Joshua Cheptegei, delivered another world-class performance over the weekend, storming to victory at the 2026 Run Your City 10K in Durban, South Africa.
The long-distance star crossed the finish line in 27:19 after leading from the opening kilometers on the fast coastal course, finishing 10 seconds ahead of Kenya’s Salem Kibet, who clocked 27:29.
Fellow Ugandan Emmanuel Kibet also put in a solid shift on the road, chasing down his idol and World Champion Cheptegei to secure third place in 27:32.
“It’s good to see that the speed for the shorter distance is still there. The sport always has lots of setbacks, but what is very important is never giving up!” Cheptegei noted, adding:
“I will build on this for my next half marathon in two months’ time and later the full marathon. It’s always good to see that everything from fueling to pre-race nutrition is going very well, small but great ingredients for great results coming soon.”
In the women’s category, pre-race favorite Brenda Jepchirchir settled for second place after fellow Kenyan Doreen Cherop surged past her on the final bend of the race to claim gold.
This saw Cherop improve her personal best with a resounding 30:43 on the clock. Beatrice Chepkoech completed a Kenyan sweep, crossing the line in third at 31:25.
Men’s Top 3:
Joshua Cheptegei (Uganda) – 27:19
Salem Kibet (Kenya) – 27:29
Emmanuel Kibet (Uganda) – 27:32
Women’s Top 3:
Doreen Cherop (Kenya) – 30:43
Brenda Jepchirchir (Kenya) – 30:52
Beatrice Chepkoech (Kenya) – 31:25
