By KT Reporter
Ugandan long-distance runner Joy Cheptoyek secured third place in a half marathon in Spain on Sunday, setting a new personal best. The reigning national 10-kilometer road race record holder crossed the finish line in 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 0 seconds.
The race was won by Kenya’s Loice Chemnung, who finished in 1 hour, 5 minutes, and 6 seconds, while another Kenyan, Miriam Chebet, claimed second place with a time of 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 1 second. Cheptoyek and the two Kenyans broke away from the rest of the field at the 17.5-kilometer mark, intensifying the contest in the closing stages.
However, Chemnung had the strongest finish, while Cheptoyek maintained her pace to secure the bronze medal. According to Cheptoyek, this was her first time running a half marathon, and she is optimistic about future races. “I am excited for the performance, it was tough but I had to endure,” Kiplimo told URN via WhatsApp. Uganda Athletics Federation president Dominic Otuchet praised Cheptoyek’s performance.
“We’ve realized that the transition of athletes from track to road running is promising based on the previous performance from the likes of Stella Chesang and in men Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo,” he said-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
