We Run Different Roads
The inspiring life of Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei, her tragic death, and the reality of “femicide”
I don’t post about it much, but I’m an avid runner. I often quip, I can’t afford therapy but I can afford running shoes. And running truly is a form of therapy for me. It’s one of those things that if I didn’t do it, I wouldn't be able to be me. The art of running has worked itself into the fabric of my being. So today’s breaking news of the death of Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei has left me devastated. Tributes are being posted in her honor, but so are many comments either making light of her situation, or blaming her for causing her own demise. This reality has caused me to pen my own tribute to her, but also take time to get her legacy right. It is not her fault she’s dead, nor is it funny. The unique dangers female athletes and runners face everyday exist on a worldwide scale.
Thank you for taking the time to read about Rebecca Cheptegei. May her passion, dedication, and strength inspire you.
A Senseless Act
On Sunday, September 1, 2024, professional runner Rebecca Cheptegei returned to her home in Kenya with her two daughters after attending church. When they arrived, they realized her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, had stopped by while they were away. Neighbors witnessed both Cheptegei and Ndiema arguing outside. According to these witnesses, the two were arguing about property—who had the claim to a piece of land was in dispute.
Suddenly, neighbors saw Ndiema douse Cheptegei with gasoline. Before anything could be done, he set her on fire.
The hospital she was admitted to in Kenya said she received burns to 80% of her body. She held on for days. But news broke on Thursday, September 5, that she passed away due to organ failure caused by such significant burns.
She was just 33 years old.
“We Have Lost Our Breadwinner”
Cheptegei was born and raised in Uganda. But she moved to Kenya as an adult in order to train at a popular facility. In 2010, she began her professional career, with races ranging from cross country, long distance, and marathon.
In 2022, she won Gold in Thailand at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships.
In 2024, she qualified for and competed in the marathon race at the Summer Paris Olympics, placing 44th in the run.
In just over a decade, she made a significant impact in the running world, where she’s remembered as a supportive and giving individual. She often helped out fellow runners financially, providing them with running shoes and other supplies when they couldn’t afford it themselves.
Her own father, Joseph Cheptegei, called his daughter “very supportive” as well in his official statement released after her death.
Cheptegei leaves behind two daughters, 12 and 13 years old. Mr. Cheptegei said in regards to the children now grieving the tragic loss of their mother, “We have lost our breadwinner," he said, while wondering how the girls will "proceed with their education."
While speaking with journalists outside the hospital where his daughter passed away, he asked for “justice” to be done as authorities investigate her death.
It is heartbreaking to lose a woman who became a successful breadwinner for her family, and ensured her daughters’ education in a place where young girls are often encouraged to drop out and marry young instead of finishing school.
Fellow athlete, James Kirwa, who visited Cheptegei as she fought for her life in the hospital, remembers the marathon runner for her kindness and generosity. Kirwa said she, "...was a very affable person. [She] helped us all even financially and she brought me training shoes when she came back from the Olympics. She was like an older sister to me.”
Journalist and author Clodagh Finn took to X to post her thoughts, saying, “The murder of Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei at the hands of her boyfriend, got a single line on the news this morning. Let's make more of it here. Another beautiful and talented woman's life snuffed out by violence.”
The Uganda Athletics Federation posted on X, saying, “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.”
Others who have posted tributes have used the term “femicide” to clarify that Cheptegei didn’t just die due to an out of hand domestic dispute. She, and many others, have died, in large part, simply because they are women. In Cheptegei’s case, in large part, it was simply because she was a successful woman.
Statistics and Anecdotal Evidence Paint an Eye-Opening Picture
While tributes continue to be posted on social media, I’ve come across many that shine a light on the unique situation women-athletes face, particularly those from countries where women continue to face significant oppression due to their gender.
One comment came from a woman who felt humor was appropriate while commenting on a post detailing the burns Cheptegei was subjected to. In so many words, she said, if there was a time for her to run fast, that would have been the time.
More commentary came from someone I once knew personally. The post has since been taken down due to several women in the comments section setting the record straight, but I made note of his remarks before the post was removed. Though he expressed remorse for her death, he shifted some of the accountability to Cheptegei, saying, “Ladies be careful what you say and how you interact with men.” He mentioned the man could have felt “jealous” or “emasculated.”
The comment left by a woman badly and inappropriately attempting humor highlights her lack of empathy, etiquette, and tact.
But someone shifting blame onto Cheptegei in any way because of words she said is deeply concerning because it signifies a larger cultural reality: People believe that sometimes it is justifiable to set women on fire due to the words we say.
Cheptegei’s senseless, avoidable death is utterly tragic. It is also tragic that hers is not the only one.
Two other professional female athletes from her area in Kenya have also been murdered by their partners. Recently, both Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua were killed during acts of domestic violence.
According to one report, “Tirop's husband is currently facing murder charges, which he denies, while a hunt for Mutua's boyfriend continues.”
Violence against women has been of growing concern in Kenya. According to the Kenyan Bureau of National Statistics, upwards of 34% of women experience violence at the hands of men in their adult lives, with women who are married experiencing higher incidents of violence than unmarried women.
Unfortunately, no culture is immune from this type of violence. Even the roads run in America are different for women and men. I’ve experienced my own series of uncomfortable moments, being followed and harassed. I invested in a treadmill some time ago because there are plenty of days where I don’t want to deal with having to possibly fight for my life while trying to get in some exercise.
Women who are a part of online Facebook running groups are subjects of condescending remarks when they make a post asking what weapons their fellow female runners carry when running in public or secluded places. Some men in the groups laugh and say, I’m really glad I’m a guy so I don’t have to deal with that.
This may seem extreme if you haven’t experienced it yourself. But the reality of it is, it does exist.
In 2022, American teacher Eliza Fletcher was abducted and murdered while out on her morning run.
Call Forth The Hero
There is a quote by Roman philosopher and statesman Cicero that says, “After I’m dead, I’d rather have people ask why I have no monument than why I have one.”
Though her attacker will thankfully never have a monument built in his honor, if there is any bit of love for heroism left in this world, Cheptegei will one day have hers. And if not, hopefully my tribute, along with others, honors her legacy.
It’s important to read about and learn about heroes like Cheptegei, because they call forth the hero within ourselves.
Years from now, should no monument exist in her name, hopefully, like Cicero, we remember to ask, Why doesn’t she have one?
I loved this article. I am so glad you wrote about her. It also reminded me all the real feminists are expired because none who claim to be all for women wrote about this tragedy.
Rebecca, you speak from the heart. Thank you!