World record holder Kelvin Kiptum, a Kenyan, was remembered on Friday by friends, family, and fellow athletes. Kiptum passed away on Sunday in an automobile accident.
At the Chepkoriro Show Ground, mourners lined up to walk past Kiptum’s casket and sign a memorial book.
“When I first met Kiptum in Monaco, he was just like me—we were both grinning and having a great time, and the interviews were much more enjoyable. Thus, it genuinely broke my heart for me to consider, over and over, that Kiptum is no longer with us. remarked Faith Kipyegon, the current 1500-meter world record holder.
In the center of the high-altitude region that serves as a training ground for the top distance runners in Kenya and the globe, Kiptum and his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana, perished in a crash last Sunday close to the town of Kaptagat in western Kenya.
After breaking the world record in just his third competitive marathon race, Kiptum was one of the most exciting road running possibilities to emerge in years.
Just last week, the international track organization World Athletics confirmed his record, which he had established at the Chicago Marathon the previous year.
Former marathoner Catherine Ndereva adds, “I just feel like I have really lost because he won’t be there in person when Chicago Marathon holds their world record holders champions, but he will forever live in our hearts.”
Sebastian Coe, the president of the International Association of Athletics Federation, and William Ruto, the president of Kenya, were present.
The world record holder for men’s marathon was later buried at his property in Naiberi, which is roughly 20 kilometers away from Eldoret.
