Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei is a name that resonates with excellence and endurance in the world of long-distance running. Cheptegei has etched his name in the annals of athletics history as the current world record holder for the 5000 meters and the 10,000 meters.
You can follow Joshua Cheptegei’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more here.
Joshua Cheptegei’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Joshua Cheptegei’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million. His earnings come from his prize money as a professional long-distance runner, endorsements, and other sources.
Prize Money
Cheptegei’s prize money from significant events like the World Athletics Championships substantially adds to his income. For instance, he received $70,000 (about Shs265 million) for clinching his historic third-world title in 2023.
Additionally, the Ugandan government rewards Olympic medalists with a monthly stipend, with Cheptegei receiving 5 million shillings (about $1,400) following his Olympic success.
Cheptegei’s career earnings are also supplemented by his participation in marathon events organized by companies like Maurten. He is known to charge around $250,000 for marathon appearances.
Career Earnings
| Event | Date | Prize Money (USD) | Prize Money (UGX) |
| World Athletics Championships (10,000m Gold) | Aug 20, 2023 | $70,000 | Shs265 million |
| World Athletics Championships (10,000m Gold) | Jul 18, 2022 | $70,000 | Shs263 million |
| Prize Money for Gold at World Athletics Championships (2023) | – | $70,000 | Prize Money for Gold at World Athletics Championships (2023) |
| Monthly Stipend for Olympic Gold Medalists | – | 5 million shillings (about $1,400) | Monthly Stipend for Olympic Gold Medalists |
Endorsements
Joshua Cheptegei has secured several endorsement deals throughout his career, contributing to his financial success and athletic achievements. Some of the notable endorsements include:
- Nike: Cheptegei has a contract with the sportswear giant Nike, which involves him wearing and promoting their products, such as shoes, trousers, and jackets, especially on his social media platforms.
- Adidas: Adidas, another leading sportswear manufacturer, has also supported him.
- Uganda Tourism Board (UTB): Cheptegei became Uganda’s first tourism ambassador from the sports sphere, promoting ‘Destination Uganda’ both domestically and internationally.
- MTN Uganda: He signed a deal with MTN Uganda, a telecommunications company, further expanding his portfolio of endorsements.
About Joshua Cheptegei
| Full Name | Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Birth Date | September 12, 1996 |
| Height | 5’6″ (1.67m) |
| Weight | 52 kg (114 lb 10.24 oz) |
| Birthplace | Kapchorwa, Uganda |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| Current Net Worth | $4 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Carol Yeko |
| Instagram Profile | @joshuacheptegei |
Joshua Cheptegei was born in the lush highlands of Uganda, a country known for its rich tradition of distance runners.
His journey from a modest upbringing to the pinnacle of long-distance running is a testament to his relentless work ethic and determination.
Cheptegei’s date of birth is September 12, 1996, and he hails from the Kapchorwa district, a place that has now become synonymous with his success.
Early Life
Growing up in Kapchorwa, a district known for producing some of Uganda’s finest distance runners, Cheptegei’s initial encounters with running were intertwined with his daily routines.
However, during school competitions, his remarkable running talent became evident. Outpacing older and more experienced runners, Cheptegei’s potential was quickly recognized, and he began to pursue running more seriously.
Professional Career
Joshua Cheptegei’s professional journey began in earnest in 2015, following his high school education, when he participated in the World Championships in Beijing, finishing 9th in the 10,000 meters at just 18 years old.
Cheptegei’s breakthrough came in 2017 when he narrowly missed out on gold at the London World Championships, finishing second in the 10,000 meters.
The following year, in 2018, Cheptegei won gold medals in both the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters at the Commonwealth Games, further cementing his status as a top long-distance runner.
In 2019, Cheptegei became the world champion in the 10,000 meters, and by 2020, he had set world records in both the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters, joining an elite group of men to hold both records concurrently.
His world record time of 12:35.36 in the 5,000 meters in Monaco was particularly iconic, as it surpassed the previous record held by Kenenisa Bekele.
Wife
Joshua Cheptegei’s wife is Carol Yeko Cheptegei. The couple married in a traditional ceremony in Cheborom village, Kaptum Sub County, in the Kween district.
The couple’s union was celebrated as a significant milestone in Cheptegei’s personal life and as a positive step in his career.
Career Achievements
Joshua Cheptegei, a Ugandan long-distance runner, has made significant strides in athletics, setting world records and winning numerous titles.
Here’s a detailed look at his career achievements:
- 5000 meters: Cheptegei set a world record with a time of 12:35.36 in Monaco in 2020.
- 10000 meters: He broke the world record with a time of 26:11.00.
- 15 kilometers (Road Race): Held the world’s best time with a record set in 2018, which was later broken by his compatriot Jacob Kiplimo in 2022.
- 2020 Summer Olympics: Cheptegei won a silver medal in the 10,000 meters and a gold medal in the 5,000 meters.
- Cheptegei is a 3-time World Champion in the 10,000 meters.
- 2018 Commonwealth Games: Cheptegei won gold medals in both the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters.
- At the World Junior Championships 2014, he bagged a gold medal in the 10,000m event.
FAQs
1. Who is Joshua Cheptegei?
Joshua Cheptegei is a Ugandan long-distance runner born on September 12, 1996, in Kapchorwa, Uganda. He is the current world record holder for the 5000m and 10,000m and has won multiple Olympic and World Championship medals, making him one of the most decorated athletes in Uganda’s history.
2. What are Joshua Cheptegei’s major achievements?
Cheptegei holds world records in the 5000m (12:35.36) and 10,000m (26:11.00), both set in 2020. He is a three-time World Champion in the 10,000m and won gold in the 5000m at the Tokyo Olympics. He also claimed gold in the 10,000m at Paris 2024, setting an Olympic record.
3. How did Joshua Cheptegei start his running career?
Cheptegei initially played soccer and tried long jump and triple jump before switching to running. His talent was discovered during school competitions, leading to his first international race in 2014, where he finished second at the TCS World 10km in Bangalore.
4. What is Joshua Cheptegei’s connection to community development?
Cheptegei founded the Joshua Cheptegei Development Foundation, which focuses on youth education, grassroots sports development, and sustainability in Uganda. He has also collaborated with organizations like UNDP to promote environmental protection and gender equality.
5. What setbacks has Joshua Cheptegei faced in his career?
Cheptegei has dealt with injuries, including challenges during the 2022 World Championships. Despite these setbacks, he maintains a positive mindset and views them as opportunities for growth and resilience.
6. What inspired Joshua Cheptegei to pursue greatness in athletics?
Cheptegei draws inspiration from legendary athletes like Eliud Kipchoge. In 2015, Kipchoge shared motivational advice with him during training in Kaptagat, Kenya, which influenced his approach to discipline and consistency.
7. What are Joshua Cheptegei’s personal bests?
Cheptegei’s personal bests include 12:35.36 for the 5000m (world record) and 26:11.00 for the 10,000m (world record). He also recorded a time of 26:43.14 at Paris 2024, setting an Olympic record for the 10,000m.
8. How has Joshua Cheptegei contributed to African athletics?
Cheptegei’s success highlights Africa’s prominence in long-distance running. His victories inspire young athletes across Africa to pursue excellence and showcase their talents on the global stage.
9. What motivates Joshua Cheptegei to continue competing?
Despite his numerous achievements, Cheptegei remains driven by his desire to push human endurance limits and achieve new milestones in athletics. He views every competition as an opportunity to improve and inspire others.
10. What is Joshua Cheptegei’s educational background?
Cheptegei studied literature at university and has expressed a passion for reading books. His academic interests complement his athletic career by fostering intellectual growth alongside physical achievements.
