David GOMBE
Without stars Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo, Uganda’s aura of the weight of expectation at the Tokyo 2025 World Championships shifts to reigning Men’s World Marathon champion Victor Kiplangat and Peruth Chemutai.
For the first time in 12 years, neither Cheptegei or Kiplimo will represent the nation at the Worlds. Cheptegei decided to concentrate on the forthcoming Amsterdam Marathon due in October while Kiplimo will seek glory at the Chicago Marathon also in October.
In the early morning hours of Monday (1:30am), Kiplangat will be aiming to retain his Marathon World title, which he won two years ago in Budapest, Hungary.
Two years ago, Kiplangat won the world marathon title in 2 hours 8 minutes 53 seconds in Hungary’s capital to join compatriot Stephen Kiprotich who won the title in Moscow in 2013.
Israel’s Maru Teferi finished second in a season best of 2:09:12, as Ethiopia’s Leul Gebresilase took bronze in 2:09:19.
Kiplangat a half-brother to Kiplimo knows the amount of expectation from his golden spikes as he targets a successful title defense in Tokyo.
“As a team captain and defending champion, I am so happy that I am going back with hope and confidence because I believe that everything is possible.”
“We believe that something good will come this season. Most people have asked about Cheptegei and Kiplimo, they have inspired us as young people.” Said Kiplangat.
The World Champion will be in company of his training partner Stephen Kissa, Abel Chelangat and the experienced 2015 World bronze medalist Solomon Mutai.
Spain’s Abel Anton, Jaouad Gharib (Morocco) and Abel Kirui (Kenya) are the three athletes who have ever defended the Men’s Marathon title.
Kiplangat will be seeking to join that list and defend the title for the first time since 2011 when Kirui retained it.
At the Tokyo Worlds, Uganda has four runners who have tasted World Championships’ podium delight before.
Kiplimo’s half-brother Oscar Chelimo, who pocketed 5000 metres’ bronze at the Oregon 2022 edition
in Eugene, USA, Halimah Nakaayi, Kiplangat and Solomon Mutai.
Uganda has won 13 medals at the World Championship, four by the golden Cheptegei.
