Kenya pays tribute to late world-record holder Kelvin Kiptum – builds home for family

Following the passing of Kelvin Kiptum, the men’s marathon world record holder on the 11^th of February, Athletes across the world have taken to social media to express their condolences, Kenyan marathon runner and Olympic champion.

Two-time Kenyan Olympic gold medalist runner, Eliud Kipchoge wrote: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of the marathon world record holder and rising star Kelvin Kiptum. An athlete who had a whole life ahead of him to achive incredible greatness. May I offer my deepest condolences to his young family”.Kiptum, like other runners, had great aspirations in competing in the Olympics and became representative of up-and-coming Kenyan runners who are on a similar path.

In the 2023 Chicago marathon, his 2 hours and 35 seconds run would break the world record by 34 seconds making him the first man to complete a marathon in under two hours and one minute.

World Athletics President, Sebastian Cole, wrote of Kiptum’s passing stating:

“We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. On behalf of all World Athletics, we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates and the Kenyan nation. It was only earlier this week in Chicago, the place where Kelvin set his extraordinary marathon world record, that I was able to officially ratify his historic time. An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly.”

To honor the runner’s legacy, a three-bedroom house was built on a four-acre farm bought by Kiptum for his family in his town of Elgeyo Marakwet County. This construction not only marked an impactful commemoration of a talented athlete from his home country but a rapid development of infrastructure technology for the nation.

Kiptum passed away on the February 11^th alongside his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, in a car accident which occurred in the runner’s village in Kaptagat, Kenya.

Kiptum is survived by his wife Asenath Rotich and his two children.