Cheptegei says South African athletics is on the right track

Cheptegei told SABC Sport that South African runners are becoming more competitive on the world stage, with their recent performances proving the country's growing strength in long-distance running.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist is in Durban for Sunday's Absa Run Your City 10km race, where he headlines what is expected to be the strongest 10km field ever assembled on African soil.

The race, which starts at 7am, is targeting the first-ever sub-27-minute 10km run on the continent.

Cheptegei returns to Durban eight years after announcing himself in the series with victory in 2018, when he won in 27:16.

The world record holder has since lowered his personal best to 26:11 and will once again be one of the favourites.

The three-time world 10 000m champion says South Africa's progress has been impossible to ignore, highlighting the performances of veterans such as Stephen Mokoka and the emergence of Olympic finalist Adriaan Wildschutt.

"I have seen Stephen Mokoka producing top performances on the track and the road at world championships, and South Africa has a lot of talented runners," said Cheptegei.

"When I see Adriaan Wildschutt running under 27 minutes, it tells me that South African athletics is heading in the right direction. I was really impressed with his performance at the Olympic Games and happy to see a South African finishing in the top 10."

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Cheptegei won Olympic gold in the 10 000m final at the Paris Games in a time of 26:43.14, while Wildschutt finished 10th in 26:50.64 as all of the top 10 athletes dipped under the 27-minute mark.

The Ugandan says the standard of distance running has risen dramatically over the years.

"Back then, a time of 26:50 could win you an Olympic gold medal, but today that's no longer enough because the level has become much higher," he said.

"South Africa has a great running culture and it is always special for me to race here. I'm looking forward to competing in Durban again this weekend."