Ugandan distance running sensation Joshua Cheptegei is set to make a bold return to the marathon distance at the 2025 Tokyo Marathon on March 2. Renowned for his world records in the 5,000m and 10,000m, the 28-year-old Olympic champion seeks to rewrite his narrative after a challenging debut at the 2023 Valencia Marathon, where he clocked 2:08:59. Cheptegei shared his renewed determination on Instagram, declaring, “True greatness is about how you rise after you fall. Tokyo, I am ready to rise again.”
Cheptegei’s debut fell short of expectations, as he struggled in the final 10 kilometers, finishing 37th despite targeting a sub-2:04 performance. However, his recent triumphs on the track and road indicate his readiness to conquer the marathon. Cheptegei won gold in the 10,000m at the Paris Olympics with a record-breaking 26:43.14 and set a personal best of 59:46 at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. His potential to dominate the marathon distance has drawn praise from distance running legend Eliud Kipchoge, who remarked, “If there’s one runner who can shatter the men’s marathon world record, it’s Joshua.”
The Tokyo Marathon offers a challenging yet rewarding stage for Cheptegei’s resurgence. Although not as fast as Valencia’s course, Tokyo has seen remarkable performances, including Benson Kipruto’s 2024 course record of 2:02:16. Kipruto, fresh off a bronze medal in the Paris Olympic marathon, will return to defend his title, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown with Cheptegei. Both athletes aim to solidify their dominance ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo later this year.
As the world eagerly anticipates the clash of champions in Tokyo, all eyes will be on Cheptegei to see if he can translate his unparalleled track prowess into marathon greatness. With his grit, ambition, and the Tokyo skyline as his backdrop, Cheptegei’s quest for redemption promises to be a race to remember.
