Veteran Kenenisa Bekele declines to offer Joshua Cheptegei tips ahead of marathon debut

ATHLETICS Veteran Kenenisa Bekele declines to offer Joshua Cheptegei tips ahead of marathon debut

Abigael Wafula 20:54 - 02.12.2023

Kenenisa Bekele has explained why he will not give debutant Joshua Cheptegei some tips ahead of their Valencia Marathon clash.

Ethiopian marathon legend Kenenisa Bekele and Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei will be clashing at the Valencia Marathon on Sunday, December 3.

Bekele is one of the greatest marathoners the world has ever known while Cheptegei will be making his full marathon debut but the Ethiopian has been hesitant to share some tips with his opponent ahead of their clash.

Speaking during a pre-race press conference, Bekele was asked if he could share some advice to the Ugandan for his first marathon but the Ethiopian explained that Cheptegei does not need his advice.

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“I think he doesn’t need my advice you know…all the athletes who are here have a professional coach who instructs them on what to do.

"Before they came here, they learned how to run the marathon. If not, he will have great advice on Sunday,” Bekele said.

The two-time Berlin Marathon champion also addressed his rivalry with Cheptegei, noting that in the world of sports, change is necessary.

“In sports, you know you can’t run alone or stay in there forever. This is because the young generation is coming up well.

"I’m very happy to still be competing and glad that we are on the same stage in the marathon to compete against each other.

"I’m very proud to be in this competition with Joshua and of course, we will see what the result will be,” Bekele added.

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