That Joshua Cheptegai broke the 5000m World record this past weekend was amazing. That he did it post 80 hours travelling is a story in itself!
Joshua Cheptegai is only the second Ugandan to set a world record. The late John Aki-Bau, set a world record while winning the Olympic gold medal in the 1972 Olympic 400m hurdle final, competing in lane 1, with a time of 47.82!
Joshua Cheptegai was by his lonesome in the last 2400m in Monaco. Using almost even splits, Joshua Cheptegai set a new world record, with his 12:35.36. Consider this, Joshua ran three miles at 4:02 pace, then a 29.50 last 200 meters.
Amazing!
Joshua Cheptegai, photo by NN running team
Joshua Cheptegai just did it, 5000m in 12:35.56! photo by Etienne Fiacre
MONACO (MON): Due to the severe travel restrictions which remain in place, it took Joshua Cheptegei more than 80 hours to travel between Kampala and Monaco in time for the Monaco Diamond League. “But with the international travel restrictions in place, just getting to Monaco was another challenge. It took more than 80 hours, via Kampala and Istanbul and requiring a charter flight arranged by the Ugandan president, for Cheptegei to reach the Cote d’Azur for the race,” wrote World Athletics.
