David GOMBE
Ugandan long-distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei is in hospital at Moi Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya.
It is alleged that her Kenyan boyfriend Dickson Ndiema Marangach doused the runner with petrol and set her on fire.
Jeremiah Ole Kosioma, the Trans Nzoia County commander revealed that runner sustained 75 percent burns and is currently in critical condition at Moi Referral Hospital.
Her partner is also admitted at the same hospital with serious burns.
Cheptegei ran in the women’s marathon at last month’s Paris Olympic Games alongside teammates, Stella Chesang and Mercyline Chelangat, finishing in 48th place.
She took part in the 2021 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand held in 2022, winning gold in the Up and downhill race.