Commonwealth Half Marathon bronze medallist, Doreen Chesang says she will be ready for a full marathon debut in November.
Chesang, who started as a middle distance runner, participating in the 1500 metres, soon graduated to 3000 metres before quickly switching to 5000 metres since 2008.
Finishing in third place at the inaugural Commonwealth Half Marathon Championships in Cardiff on Sunday, behind country mate, Juliet Chekwel, who won gold in a time of 1:09:45, Chesang’s 1:11:10 was a personal best.
Uganda won the team gold for both ladies and men while Fred Musobo and Timothy Toroitch were second and third respectively behind Australian Jack Rayner, who won the men’s race to cap what Uganda Athletics Federation president Domenic Otucet said was the best race in half marathon history for the country.
As the triumphant team was welcomed yesterday at a luncheon by the National Council of Sports (NCS) in Lugogo, Chesang told Daily Monitor that she believes venturing into full marathon is an achievable target.
“Track needs a lot of speed and I have attained this. What I need to work on now is endurance,” she says.
Athletics coach, Nalis Bigingo supported her ambitions.
“Although it’s (full marathon) twice as long as a half marathon, the strategy is not too different—you’ll want to give yourself enough time to prepare and choose an appropriate training plan. She has all it takes,” Bigingo says. The mother of two says that marathon training takes more time but she is sure her husband will allow her to achieve her dreams.
Chesang will also switch from Arua to Prisons Athletics club starting next season. She hopes that a monthly salary will enable her train effectively.
She wants to finish strong at the upcoming MTN Kampala Marathon on November 18 which will be her first time running the full marathon, a distance of 42.195 kilometres.
Chesang is also expected to join the monthly presidential rewards system to excelling athletes. Her name will be submitted for consideration in the next quarter alongside; Sarah Chelangat, Esther Chekwemoi, Betty Chebet, Dan Chebet and Matthew Chepkuru.
Athletics contributes most beneficiaries to the rewards scheme with football in second place. Netball is expected to be considered in the next quarter.
Facebook Comments