Cheptegei Breaks World 5,000m Record

Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei shattered the men’s world 5,000m record by two seconds after winning in Monaco on Friday in 12:35.36.

The World cross and 10,000m champion became the first Ugandan to run a sub 12:40 when he broke Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele’s previous record of 12:37.35, set 16 years ago in Hengelo.

Kenya’s Nicholas Kimeli came in second in a lifetime best of 12:51.78, with compatriot Jacob Krop finishing third in 13:11.32.

Ducor Sports picks some of the best quotes and comments after Cheptegei’s World Record breaking feat in Monaco:

“Congratulations to Joshua Cheptegei who has set a new 5,000m world record at the Monaco Diamond League. You have brought honour, pride and joy to your country. Well done!” -Uganda President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Facebook.

Uganda Parliament speaker Rebecca Kadaga also hailed Cheptegei’s record-breaking victory:

“Congratulations Joshua Cheptegei on breaking the 5,000M world record in #Monaco!!!! This is a historical moment. Your warning of a possible world record tonight has come to pass. We are very proud of this achievement.”

Miss Uganda Marty’s University-Nkozi on Twitter :  “Joshua Cheptegei breaks the 5000m world record in Monaco. It had stood for 16 years. Congratulations our own.”

Journalist Usher Komugisha said: “Monaco is a special place for Joshua Cheptegei. That’s two World Records. 5km – 12:51, 5000m – 12:35.36 FYI in Track and Field, 5km is a road race/cross country and 5000m is a track race. “World Record” is @joshuacheptege1’s middle name as it stands. Congratulations!”