Who is Rebecca Cheptegei? All you need to know about marathon runner who tragically died after being set on fire

Rebecca Cheptegei was 33 years old.

The world of Athletics has been shocked by the news of Rebecca Cheptegei tragic passing. She was last seen during the Paris Olympics 2024 while competing in the women’s marathon. The 33-year-old will be dearly missed by the sporting community.

She had been one of the front runners in the women’s marathon in Uganda. Cheptegei was separated from her husband and is survived by two children.

Who is Rebecca Cheptegei?

Rebecca Cheptegei was considered as one of the best women marathon runners from Uganda. Born on February 22nd, 1991, Cheptegei began competing in cross country, long distance events from the age of 19. She then switched to running half marathons and then later into the marathon.

Cheptegei had her focus on the marathon but still used to compete in cross country running and long distance events. 

Rebecca Cheptegei achievements in athletics

The veteran athlete had begun her career in 2010 where she recorded three podium finishes. Cheptegei finished first at the Kampala 10k run with a timing of 35:05. She also won gold in women’s 1500m during the Munchen Pfingstmeeting in Munich. The then teenager had started her season with a bronze medal in women’s 1500m at Kampala.

Cheptegei had set a Ugandan national record in the women’s marathon which stood strong for a year. She clocked 2:22:47 on 17 December 2022 while finishing fourth during the Abu Dhabi Marathon. Her record was broken by Stella Chesang who had run the distance in 2:20:23 to finish third in the 37th edition of the Haspa Marathon in Hamburg, Germany.

Her other significant performances include winning the Podova marathon in 2022 and coming in second during the 39th edition of the Firenze marathon in 2023.

Cheptegei also finished fourth in the women’s half marathon during the 2024 African games. She was timed at 1:15:20 and was the oldest athlete amongst her competitors. Cheptegei competed at the Olympics for the first time during Paris Olympics 2024 in the women’s marathon and finished 44th.

What happened to Rebecca Cheptegei and how did she die?

According to reports, Cheptegei was a victim of domestic violence. She was set on fire by her former boyfriend outside her residence in Eldoret, Kenya. She was admitted to the hospital and was in critical condition for three days until passing away on September 5.

BREAKING NEWS💔💔We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/ZdxmZ3wDuE

— UGANDA ATHLETICS FEDERATION🇺🇬🇺🇬 UAF (@UgaAthletics2) September 5, 2024

There have been reports which state that her former boyfriend had poured petrol on her and set fire after a disagreement between them. Cheptegei’s condition did not improve while she was admitted due to suffering from extensive burns and multiple organ failures. Cheptegei’s passing reflects the brutality of domestic violence.

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