Uganda’s Olympic gold medalist Joshua Cheptegei alongside former half marathon world record holder Peres Jepchirchir from Kenya are set to lead the elite field at the upcoming Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon scheduled for October 20.
Cheptegei recently shifted his focus to marathons from track and field after his victory at the Paris Olympics 2024.
He holds the world records for both the 5,000m and 10,000m races and has a remarkable history of international success, including multiple world championships and Commonwealth Games gold medals.
The Ugandan runner expressed his excitement about returning to India, where he made his international debut in 2014.
“This country holds a special place in my heart,” Cheptegei said. “I’m aiming for a course record timing at the VDHM and am looking forward to the energy and passion of the Indian running community.”
Joining Cheptegei in the elite field is Peres Jepchirchir, a three-time world half marathon champion. She recently won the London Marathon 2024, breaking the women’s only marathon world record.
The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon offers a total prize money of $260,000 and is expected to be a highlight of the Indian running calendar.
