As the sun set on 2022, Joshua Cheptegei wreaked havoc on the pristine streets of Madrid to win the San Silvestre Vallecana 10km on Saturday night.

He ran a time of 27:09 and finished a rather difficult year that forced him to miss up to five months of action nursing an injury he picked up at the world championships.

Even though the field of athletes wasn’t as deep, the world record holder in the 5000m and 10000m just sent a reminder to his opponents he would be making a strong comeback in 2023.

He finished ahead of Spanish long-distance specialists Mohamed Katir and Jesus Ramos.

He was in control of proceedings although he had Katir for company all the way through the race. With three kilometres to go the 10,000m world champion found another level to upset the home favourites and win his second 10k of the year.

Big City big athlete

Cheptegei’s arrival in the Spanish capital packed a punch because in his sight was a title whose course record is held by Jacob Kiplimo. 

He did a good job making quick work of his competitors to set the stage for more significant events this year.

This race definitely cements Cheptegei’s place on the road and as the track star looks to the future, these are the performances that will motivate him going forward.

He holds the 10km national record which he set at 26:38 but considering this is his first race since his injury he proves he is inevitable.

Cheptegei ’s influence did not only stop on the road he was given five-star treatment in the Spanish capital with a trip to the Santiago Bernabeu the home of the great Real Madrid.

He wasn’t in blistering form but his victory was spellbinding and sets the tone for 2023 where he will hopefully stay healthy and deliver the goods on the big stage.