Ugandan long-distance runner Joshua Cheptegei secured second place at the 38th edition of the Dam tot Damloop 10-mile race in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on Sunday.

The reigning 10,000-metre Paris Olympic champion finished the race in 45 minutes and 5 seconds.

The race was won by Ethiopia’s Edris Muktar, who crossed the finish line in 44 minutes and 51 seconds. Kenya’s Nicolas Kipkorir Kimeli took third place with a time of 45 minutes and 48 seconds.

Muktar broke away from the lead pack of six athletes, including Cheptegei, at the 2-mile mark. By the 4-mile point, he had opened a significant gap, prompting Cheptegei to give chase.

However, Muktar’s increasing pace made it difficult for Cheptegei to catch up. Cheptegei maintained a pace that allowed him to finish the race comfortably without the risk of race-related fatigue.

“It’s a good experience for me, and I hope to correct some challenges best known to me. Just as I said, I learn a lot from challenges, and [this] always makes me better,” Cheptegei told URN via WhatsApp.

Stephen Kiprotich, the marathon Olympic and world champion, acknowledged Cheptegei’s effort, stating that although he ran a promising race, he still needs more preparation.

“As a professional athlete, I saw he was still experiencing fatigue caused by the recent Paris Olympics,” Kiprotich said. “He is promising, and he will do well in the marathon; it’s just a matter of time.”

Cheptegei’s coach, Addy Ruiter, praised his patience and performance, emphasising that finishing the race was a priority.

“It’s very important that the athlete finishes the race successfully. As it is said, ‘Athlete first, winning second,’” Ruiter remarked, noting Cheptegei’s early preparation for his marathon debut.