The World marathon record-holder in the 5,000m and 10,000m, Joshua Cheptegei is set to have his first ever #UNDPElgonHalfMarathon, a marathon slated to take place in Mbale, come the 28th of October 2023. Cheptegei striked a partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through his Joshua Cheptegei Development Foundation (JOCDEF) to launch the UNDP Elgon Half Marathon.
The marathon according to Cheptegei is aimed at promoting Uganda’s Elgon region as a premier tourism destination and to also emphasize the need to conserve the climate in the region as well as its biodiversity conservation.
The marathon is strategically set to kickstart at the backdrop of Mount Elgon National Park, having three short marathons; the 5km, 10km, and 21km races. Interested participants are to pay UGX 30,000 which will cater for an official running kit, medals, and potential prizes. Registration is currently ongoing here https://joshuacheptegeifoundation.org/product/undp-elgon-half-marathon-with-joshua-cheptegei/
The marathon participants are set to share a racing ground with elite athletes including Cheptegei’s teammates and training partners like Victor Kiplangat, Stephen Kissa, among others.
