The running world mourns the loss of Kelvin Kiptum, the World Marathon record holder, who tragically passed away in a car accident on February 11.
His recent state burial at his farm in Naiberi, Uasin Gishu County marked the end of an era.
Kiptum’s departure has left an irreplaceable void among fans and fellow athletes, reminiscing about the man who continually pushed boundaries and redefined standards in the sport.
In just three marathons, Kiptum transformed from a promising Kenyan athlete to one of the most thrilling figures in long-distance running.
His breakthrough moment came at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, where he smashed the world record by an astounding 34 seconds, completing the race in 2 hours and 35 seconds.
This achievement made him the first man to ever finish a marathon in under two hours and one minute, sparking talks of him becoming the next marathon superstar and a top contender for Olympic gold in Paris.
Tragically, Kiptum’s aspirations were cut short as he prepared for the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14.
His absence not only deprives the world of witnessing his full potential but also dashes hopes of an epic showdown between him and Eliud Kipchoge in the Olympic marathon.
Kelvin Kiptum’s Life
Born on December 2, 1999, in Chepkorio, Elgeyo Marakwet county, Kiptum was raised by Samson Cheruiyot and Mary Kangongo. Surrounded by running icons, he aspired to join their ranks.
Starting as a young cattle herder, Kiptum honed his skills barefooted on forest trails.
Despite financial constraints, he joined a local running group, racing on Chepkorio’s dirt roads.
By 13, he was competing in road races, eventually winning events like the Family Bank Half Marathon and the Kass Half Marathon. At 18, he claimed victory in the 2018 Eldoret half-marathon.
His international debut came at the 2019 Lisbon Half Marathon, placing fifth with a personal best.
Witnessing Kipchoge’s sub-two-hour marathon, Kiptum found inspiration.
In 2022, he triumphed in Valencia, igniting his marathon career. His London Marathon win in 2023 set a course record, propelling him to the second-fastest marathoner.
The 2023 Chicago Marathon marked his crowning achievement, breaking Kipchoge’s world record. Eyeing Rotterdam Marathon in 2024, Kiptum aimed higher.
At just 24, with boundless potential, Kiptum’s future seemed limitless, bright and was truly destined for greatness.
Yet, like Wanjiru, his untimely demise leaves us to wonder what could have been, but we know he would have had a sparkling career.
ALSO READ: Kelvin Kiptum destroys Eliud Kipchoge’s marathon world record
Beyond athletics, Kiptum supported education for underprivileged students and cherished his role as a husband and father.
Family Man
Kiptum’s widow, Asenath Rotich, has penned down a touching tribute to her late husband.
In her eulogy, Asenath fondly remembers Kiptum as the epitome of a loving husband and father to their children.
She expressed her disbelief at the thought of raising their children without him by her side.
“My dear love I can’t learn how to say goodbye to you with weak fingers and pain in my heart, it’s unbelievable that today I’ve learned to stay with our beloved kids without you coming home again.
“I mourn my love, I’ve cried until no more I’ll miss you and the love of my life forever, until we meet again. But I promise to gather my strength for the sake of our children,
“I hope in the spirit world you’ll inspire me to stand pillar to our children. I promise to make them smile in your honor, I’ll make you happy all the time,
Adding, “We have been planning for our big day to tie the knot in a colorful wedding ceremony in April 2024 but God’s plans are greater. I’ll still make my vows of love even in your rest when your star was going to be the brightest God used you.
ALSO READ: Kiptum was my only child – Kelvin Kiptum’s dad
“You’ve been the best husband and father to our children, I’ll clearly miss your company, well smile again, till we meet again my love, dance with angels, bye rest in peace,”.
What Happened to Kelvin Kiptum?
World Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum died in a grisly road accident.
Kiptum died alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana, a Rwandan national, along Eldoret-Kaptagat road, as confirmed by family and traffic base commandant Dennis Muga.
Kiptum dies just days after World Athletics ratified his record of 2:00:35 – a record he set at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 8, 2023.
ALSO READ: Three individuals who visited Kiptum prior to his death arrested
The 24-year-old chalked 34 seconds off the previous record of 2:01:09 set by his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge on September 25, 2022, in Berlin.
Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor revealed that the late Marathon World Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum died from severe head trauma sustained in a car crash.
Dr. Oduor disclosed that Kiptum had extensive skull fractures at the base of his skull, leading to his demise.
The family of Kiptum, on their side, expressed contentment with the results of the autopsy results.
May his soul rest in eternal peace. Go well Legend. Icon. Trailbrailzer.
