Uganda’s women put up a strong fight in the World Championships marathon in Tokyo on Sunday, with Stella Chesang leading the way home in 12th place.
Chesang, making her marathon debut at a global championship, crossed the line in 2:31:13.
She ran a steady race, staying within the chasing pack and keeping her rhythm as the leading duo of Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir and Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa pulled clear in the medal battle.
Behind her, Mercyline Chelangat endured a tough outing but showed determination to finish, clocking 2:45:36 for 49th place.
Juliet Chekwel, the third Ugandan in the field, was among the non-finishers on a hot morning that took its toll on several runners.
The race ended with Jepchirchir claiming gold in 2:24:43 after outsprinting Assefa on the track, while Uruguay’s Julia Paternain surprised the field with bronze.
For the Ugandan camp, the focus was on building experience and testing strength ahead of future championships.
