Joshua Cheptegei not panicking ahead of Marathon debut in Valencia

Ugandan long-distance kingpin and world record-holder for 5000m and 10,000m Joshua Cheptegei is serene and composed as he takes on the 26.2 miles for the first time.

Despite the Valencia marathon slated for Sunday being star-studded, all eyes will be glued on Cheptegei with expectations of replicating his track dominance.

He comes after three world 10,000m titles, the Olympic 5000m gold and world records in the 5000m and 10,000m races.

Cheptegei also debuts in a city that has previously given him joy on track, with his world 10km road record being set in the Spanish city in 2019, followed by his still-standing world 10,000m mark of 26:11.00 coming there as well in 2020.

In spite of the aforementioned triumphs, Cheptegei is self-collected: "I’m not actually looking at running fast times because it is still a new distance for me, and I’m still learning also in training," he was quoted by Athletics Weekly.

"I want to learn… and the best for me would be seeing myself being on the podium,” the 27-year-old added.

“The track has taught me to be patient when chasing my goals. I will approach the marathon in the same regard. If you are not patient in the marathon, it means you will not be able to reach your destination and goals."

“I want to approach this marathon with a lot of respect as it is something new for me. I want to approach it in a new dimension. All of us are built differently; what is important for me is to just enjoy the race and see what happens after 35 kilometres," Cheptegei added.

He will have to fend off opposition from the likes of Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele (PB 2:01:41), Gabriel Geay of Tanzania (2:03:00), Alexander Mutiso of Kenya (2:03:29), Getaneh Molla of Ethiopia (2:03:34), Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia (2:03:36), Leul Gebresilase of Ethiopia (2:04:02), among a host more.