Uganda names star-studded marathon team for 2025 World Championships

Men

Jacob Kiplimo, Joshua Cheptegei, Victor Kiplangat (defending champion) and Stephen Kissa

Reserves: Solomon Mutai, Andrew Rotich Kwemoi and Victor Kwemboi

Women

Stella Chesang, Juliet Chekwel and Mercyline Chelangat.

With reigning world champion Victor Kiplangat set to defend his title, Uganda has unveiled a formidable marathon squad for the 2025 World Athletics Championships scheduled to take place from September 13–21 in Tokyo, Japan.

The national team features a strong blend of proven champions and rising stars, with a clear ambition to return home with multiple medals.

Men's team promises podium dominance

The men’s lineup reads as a who’s who of distance running royalty includes; Victor Kiplangat (Defending champion), Jacob Kiplimo (National marathon record holder) Joshua Cheptegei (Olympic champion and world record holder on the track) Stephen Kissa (Consistent international performer)

These four are backed by reserves Solomon Mutai, Andrew Rotich Kwemoi, and Victor Kwemboi, all of whom have top-level experience and depth to fill in should the need arise.

From all indications, Uganda has assembled one of the strongest men’s marathon teams in its history. Jacob Kiplimo, who burst onto the marathon scene with a stellar 2:03:37 finish at the London Marathon setting a new national record, will be a man to watch. His calm demeanor and aggressive final splits have made him an instant favorite for a podium finish in Tokyo.

Joshua Cheptegei, widely regarded as one of the greatest long-distance runners of his generation, continues his transition to the marathon. His time of 2:05:59 at this year's Tokyo Marathon earned him qualification and demonstrated his growing potential on the roads.

Meanwhile, Victor Kiplangat returns to the world stage with the goal of defending the title he clinched in Budapest in 2023. Should he succeed, Kiplangat would become only the fifth athlete in history to retain a marathon world athletics title, an elite club that underscores just how high the stakes are for him this year.

Stephen Kissa rounds out the team, bringing tactical brilliance and valuable experience to the pack.

Strong women's contigent ready to impress

On the women’s side, Uganda has fielded a trio with significant international exposure and potential for a breakthrough: Stella Chesang, Juliet Chekwel and Mercyline Chelangat

Each of the three has steadily risen through the ranks, and their inclusion signifies the growing investment in women's long-distance running in Uganda. Though the women’s field is highly competitive globally, these athletes have consistently posted competitive times and gained valuable experience on the world stage.

Athletics national coach Benjamin Njia expressed strong confidence in the selected squad, emphasizing that each athlete earned their spot based on merit and performance.

“This is a tentative team, but looking at the quality of each member, there's potential for everyone to come back with a medal,” Njia said. “It’s a reflection of hard work and depth that we’ve been building for years.”

He added that Uganda's chances in the marathon this year are the strongest they have ever been, particularly with the men’s side expected to mount a serious challenge for multiple podium spots.

With Tokyo 2025 fast approaching, Uganda’s marathon team stands as a testament to the country’s continued rise in global distance running. If current form holds and the team remains healthy, Ugandan colors could fly high on the podium once again in one of the most grueling and prestigious events in athletics.