Kiprop aims to follow in Cheptegei's footsteps at Absa DURBAN 10K

Following the announcement of local favourites Elroy Gelant and Stephen Mokoka, Stillwater Sports, the organisers of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, have revealed that Uganda’s Keneth Kiprop, a training partner of 10,000m and 5,000m World Record holder Joshua Cheptegei, is the first East African athlete confirmed for the third leg of the five-part series, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K that will take place on Sunday, 7 July 2024.

Kiprop, who secured sixth place at the 2023 World Cross Country Championships, is part of a new generation of Ugandan runners striving to follow in the fast footsteps of world record holders Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo. At just 19 years old, he aims to use his debut in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series to make a name for himself.

Sikowo is ready to make his Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES DEBUT. Photo Credit: The NN Running Team.

"A lot of my fellow Ugandans have won the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. So the people that inspire me like Joshua (Cheptegei) have made me decide to go and try to win in Durban," explains Kiprop.

During the 2018 edition of the race, two Ugandans emerged victorious. Cheptegei won the men’s race in 27:16 which was the fastest time ever run on SA soil, while Stella Chesang won the women’s race in 31:14. Inspired by his compatriots, Kiprop has thrown himself into training and is ready to race.

"My training has been going well. I’m glad that I’m finally getting back in shape to run a Personal Best in Durban. I think my coach Addy Ruiter knows me very well and his training methods really help me to reach my goals," admits Kiprop.

Running on the same lightning-fast course where Cheptegei set that SA All-Comers record six years ago, Kiprop who is the holder of a 28:46 lifetime best, is aiming to become only the fifteenth Ugandan man to dip under the magical 28 minute barrier.

Kiprop (back) training with Cheptegei and Abel Sikowo in Uganda. Photo Credit: The NN Running Team.

"I know that the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K has a fast course and that the environment is beautiful. I want to run my Personal Best and I hope to break 28 minutes for my comeback, and I will try to do my best to get on the podium."

“We are thrilled to welcome Uganda’s Kenneth Kiprop to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. “We wish him all the success that his countryman, Joshua Cheptegei, achieved at this event six years ago. Having such strong international athletes line up on South African soil elevates the level of competition and inspires both local and international runners. It is an honour to host these elite athletes and witness their exceptional performances in our series.”