Cheptegei crossed the finish line in 27 minutes and 19 seconds after dictating the race from the opening stages, finishing ahead of Kenya's Salem Kibet, who clocked 27:29, while Uganda's Emmanuel Kibet completed the podium positions among the leading challengers in 27:32.
The victory marked another encouraging step in Cheptegei's road-running journey after bringing an end to his celebrated track career following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he won the men's 10,000m gold medal.
The 29-year-old, who still holds the world records in both the 5,000m and 10,000m, has since shifted his attention entirely to road races as he builds towards competing regularly in the half marathon and marathon.
In Durban, Cheptegei wasted little time asserting his authority, moving to the front early and reaching the halfway point in 13:48 before extending his advantage over the chasing pack. His winning time also ranked among the fastest ever recorded on South African soil over the distance.
After the race, Cheptegei described the victory as another important milestone in his preparations for longer races.
"I am grateful to God for today’s win again in my second road race in South Africa Durban 10k it’s good to see that the speed for the shorter distance is still there," Cheptegei posted on social media.
The Ugandan acknowledged that elite sport often comes with challenges but said persistence remains essential.
"The sport always has lots of setbacks, but what is very important is never giving up!!"
Cheptegei revealed that his immediate target is a half marathon in two months before progressing to another full marathon as he continues adapting to road racing.
"I will build on this for my next half marathon in 2 month’s time and later the full marathon, always good to see that everything from fueling, nutrition pre race is going very well, small but great ingredients for great result’s coming soon."
In the women's race, Kenya dominated the podium as Doreen Cherop surged past pre-race favourite Brenda Jepchirchir in the closing stages to secure victory. Jepchirchir settled for second in 30:52, while 3,000m steeplechase world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech finished third in 31:25.