Sports 11 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Victor Kiplangat Targets Podium Finish at Paris Marathon
Ugandan marathon star Victor Kiplangat is aiming for a podium spot at the Paris Marathon on April 12, 2026, seeking to rebound from recent setbacks. The 26-year-old, trained by Addy Ruiter alongside Joshua Cheptegei, feels prepared to challenge top contenders on the French streets. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/athletics/kiplangat-wants-podium-at-paris-marathon-5418408
Victor Kiplangat returns to Paris with high ambitions for the marathon on April 12, 2026. After a challenging 37th place at the 2024 Olympics there due to heat and steep terrain, the Ugandan runner is determined to secure a podium position.
Kiplangat’s marathon career boasts impressive highlights, including his debut win at the 2021 Istanbul Marathon in 2:10:18 and gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and 2023 World Championships. However, recent races have been tough: 15th in Tokyo World Champs (2:11:33), 5th in Mumbai (2:11:02), and others amid humid conditions.
“I want to be on the podium if all goes well,” Kiplangat told reporters. At 26, with a personal best of 2:05:09, he trains under coach Addy Ruiter and manager Valentijn Trouw, sharing sessions with Joshua Cheptegei.
Facing stiff competition from Ethiopia’s Kinde Atanaw Ayalew (2:03:51 PB), Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa, and others like Kenyan Hillary Kipkoech Kemboi, Kiplangat must improve on his recent times. The course record stands at 2:04:21 by Elisha Rotich.
Ruiter noted solid preparations, setting the stage for Kiplangat to reignite his form from the Place de la Concorde start to the Arc de Triomphe finish.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)