Sports 25 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Cheptegei and Kiplimo Chase Glory at London Marathon
Uganda's marathon stars Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo will reunite in the elite field of the London Marathon on Sunday, marking their first joint race since the Paris Olympics. Kiplimo eyes a World Marathon Major victory after recent triumphs, while Cheptegei aims to elevate his steady marathon progress. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/athletics/cheptegei-kiplimo-go-for-glory-at-london-marathon-5434204
Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo, once inseparable rivals in 10,000m and cross-country events, now pursue marathon excellence. After parting ways post-Paris Olympics, where Cheptegei claimed gold and Kiplimo finished eighth, both have shifted focus to the 42km distance.
The duo lines up together for the first time since then at the prestigious London Marathon, one of the world’s top majors. Cheptegei calls it a childhood dream, expressing excitement to compete on its iconic streets.
Kiplimo, 25, boasts an explosive road record. He debuted strongly with second place in London last year (2:03:37), then shattered charts by winning Chicago in 2:02:23, ranking him seventh all-time. Fresh off reclaiming the half-marathon world record in Lisbon (57:20) and a third straight world cross-country title, he targets Uganda’s first World Marathon Major win and a 2026 hat-trick.
Cheptegei’s marathon journey has been methodical. His Valencia debut in 2023 faltered, but he improved to ninth in Tokyo (2:05:59) and fifth in Amsterdam (2:04:52 PB). Recent victories include Kolkata 25K and Burj 2 Burj half-marathon, where he outran world champion Alphonce Simbu. London represents his biggest step yet, with coach Addy Ruiter eyeing 2:03:30-2:04.
Kiplimo may chase the late Kelvin Kiptum’s world record (2:00:35) alongside pacer Oscar Chelimo, while Cheptegei paces conservatively. Defending champ Sebastian Sawe (Kenya), Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta, Olympic winner Tamirat Tola, and past victor Amos Kipruto headline the field.
This comes amid mixed Ugandan results: Abel Sikowo DNF in Vienna, Victor Kiplangat 12th in Paris. Levi Chelangat races Madrid.