Athlete Joshua Cheptegei’s transition from Olympic track events to marathons is set to be a transformative leap not just for his career but for Uganda’s tourism industry and the economic landscape.
This shift marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of the world’s most celebrated long-distance runners whose achievements have already left an indelible mark on global athletics.
After success in his fifth World Athletics Championships in Budapest in 2023 where he secured his third consecutive world title in the 10 000 metres, Cheptegei said he would switch to marathons.
“Most importantly, my last championship on the track is for the future of the country – to have new people with new techniques that win medals.”
When Cheptegei competes in international and local marathons, his participation is set to draw considerable media attention. This heightened visibility will highlight Uganda as a nation that nurtures athletic talent and could serve as a catalyst for promoting the country as a destination for sports tourism.
His international success could inspire runners around the globe to participate in local events and bring a surge of opportunities with them for the benefit of the local economy, local businesses and economic growth.
