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.
In the Chepkoriro Exhibition 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. Hence, 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.
Kiptum and his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana, perished in an accident last year in western Kenya close to the town of Kaptagat.
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 simply feel like I have really lost because he won’t be there in person when Chicago Marathon holds their world record holders victors, but he will forever be 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.
(News Agencies)
