World Record-holder Cheptegei confirms participation in Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2024
Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei, the current world record holder for both the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters will compete in the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon.
The race, a World Athletics Gold Label event, will take place on Sunday, October 20th, the race promoters Procam International announced on Thursday.
Joshua is the reigning Olympic champion in the 10,000 meters and won the gold with a new Olympic record of 26:43.14. He is also a three-time World champion in the 10,000 meters and claimed gold in both the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2019 IAAF World Cross Country Championships.
Notably, Cheptegei is only the tenth man in history to simultaneously hold the 5000 meter and 10,000 meter world records, both of which he set in 2020, and holds the world’s best time over a 15-kilometer distance.
Interestingly, Cheptegei made his international debut in India at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2014, finishing second. His return to India for the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon promises to be a highlight of this year’s race and will be his first Half Marathon here.
Speaking about his return to India Joshua said, ‘This country holds a special place in my heart, as it’s where I made my international debut in 2014. It’s been a good season for me, and I am certainly looking at a course-record timing at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon.
‘The energy and passion of the Indian running community are truly inspiring, and I’m excited to be part of this prestigious event.’
The USD 260,000 prize money course takes place at the historic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, which runs through the heart of Delhi.
It also passes many other sights of the city, including the India Gate and the Kartavya Path. The International Elite winners in the men’s and women’s categories will take home USD 27,000 each and the prize money includes the top 10 finishers in both. In addition to this, there is an Event Record Bonus of USD 12,000.
