Joshua Cheptegei is set to lead Team Uganda in the 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he will compete in the men’s half marathon.
The star boy of Ugandan athletics is scheduled to race on September 20 as part of his build-up for the marathon.
The 28-year-old has been training in Kapchorwa under coach Addy Ruiter to build the fitness required for the 21.0975km race.
The championships will bring together the world's leading road runners on September 19 and 20 to contest titles in the one-mile, 5km and half-marathon races.
The elite half marathon is expected to be a highlight as athletes tackle a fast, specially designed course through the streets of Copenhagen.
For Cheptegei, the race comes at a vital stage in his transition from track and cross-country to longer road races.
Uganda Athletics is yet to officially name the 12 athletes and officials who will represent the nation at the event.
Selection trials were held in Tororo on August 15 to assess athletes across the three championship distances.
“We shall unleash the squad as soon as we are done with the technical meeting, now that we’ve already carried out a selection trial,” Paul Okello, the organising secretary said.
Coach Isa Kosgei of Uganda Prisons Athletics Club expressed confidence in the squad following the high quality of competition seen during the Tororo trials.
“Uganda has strong athletes, and with the competition we have seen during the trial, we believe the team will be strong,” Kosgei said.
How will Team Uganda compete in Denmark?
Team Uganda will target strong performances in Copenhagen through a contingent of 12 athletes and officials selected after the Tororo trials.
- Event: 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships
- Venue: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Key Date: September 20 (Men's half marathon)
- Star Athlete: Joshua Cheptegei
- Coaching Base: Kapchorwa
Watch the Highlights
Source: Uganda Observer
