Joshua Cheptegei Wins Absa RYC Durban 10k

Joshua Cheptegei, the double Olympic champion, won the Absa Run Your City Durban 10k on Sunday, July 12, with a time of 27:19.

The Ugandan athlete beat a strong field, including Kenya's Salem Kibet and his compatriot Emmanuel Kibet, in perfect running conditions on a flat course designed for fast times.

Cheptegei expressed delight at having set a record for the new course, but was disappointed to not have delivered the first sub-27 minutes on the continent as had been the plan.

The 29-year-old, who boasts a 26:38 personal best in the 10km distance, is confident a sub-27 on the continent will eventually happen.

Cheptegei enjoyed his return to Durban, eight years since he ran a 27:16, and praised the route and atmosphere.

He had hoped the competition would push for a faster time but was disappointed they did not.

And so, Cheptegei will continue to work towards his goal of achieving a sub-27 minutes time.

The women's race saw Kenyan Doreen Cherop pull off a shock victory over her compatriot and pre-race favourite Brenda Jepchirchir.

Cherop broke the tape in 30:43, just nine seconds ahead of Jepchirchir, while Beatrice Chepkoech completed the Kenyan clean sweep with a 31:25.

Taylor Kavannagh was the best South African woman in fourth place with a 31:28, as last year's winner Kabelo Mulaudzi carried the domestic flag for the men by coming in sixth place with a 28:06.

So, Cheptegei's next goal is to achieve a sub-27 minutes time, and he is confident it will happen with the right support and competition.

But for now, he is happy with his win and the new course record at the Absa Run Your City Durban 10k.

And he will continue to work towards his goal, one step at a time.