Triple Olympic 1,500m gold medalist Faith Kipyegon and double Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge are among the dignitaries set to participate in the seventh edition of the Joshua Cheptegei Christmas Run. The event is scheduled for Saturday, December 14, in Kapchorwa, Uganda.
The two, who are part of the NN Running Team, will be joined by three-time half-marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor, adding star power to the occasion.
Cheptegei shares a rich history with Kipchoge and Kamworor, having trained together in 2016 ahead of the Rio Olympics, before Global Communications brought coach Addy Ruiter to Kapchorwa as a full-time mentor for Cheptegei.
Faith Kipyegon, who has competed twice in Kampala during the 2014 Africa and 2017 World Cross-Country Championships, is also a close friend of Ugandan middle-distance stars Winnie Nanyondo and Halimah Nakaayi.
Speaking on the preparations, Joshua Cheptegei Development Foundation (JoCDeF) Programs Director Abraham Kiplimo expressed optimism, anticipating a turnout of over 2,000 children, up from last year’s 1,680 participants.
“This time, we expect over 2,000 kids. We are attracting big names and other guests from within Uganda,” Kiplimo said.
He noted that the participation of Olympic champions will enhance the event’s appeal.
“Their presence demonstrates the global camaraderie among East African athletes. While we compete on the track, sports unites us,” he remarked.
Unique Features of the 2024 Edition
This year’s edition will feature a special 5km walk aimed at raising awareness about Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a pressing issue that has claimed the lives of several athletes, including Uganda’s Rebecca Cheptegei.
“We’ll have a 5km walk to amplify the message about gender-based violence, involving cultural and religious leaders,” Kiplimo added.
The event will include race categories for various age groups, ranging from 3 kilometers for young children to 21 kilometers for adults.
A Community-Centered Celebration
The Joshua Cheptegei Christmas Kids Run has become a hallmark event in the Sebei region, blending athletic competition with social advocacy and community development.
This year’s edition carries added significance for Cheptegei, who has enjoyed a stellar season. The Ugandan distance-running sensation secured his first 10,000m Olympic title in Paris, clocking 26:43.14 to set a new Olympic record.
The victory was particularly meaningful for Cheptegei, who had previously taken silver in the 10,000m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Adding this title to his 5,000m gold from Tokyo solidifies his place among the all-time greats.
The 2024 edition of the Christmas Run promises not only to inspire young athletes but also to promote sports tourism and amplify important social messages, making it a truly impactful event.
