Kelvin Kiptum, the marathon world record holder whose goal of breaking the two-hour barrier was tragically cut short by a fatal car crash earlier this month, was honored for his skills and modesty at a funeral in western Kenya.
The funeral service took place on Friday in his hometown of Chepkorio, located in the Rift Valley village. Hundreds of people, including political and sports figures such as President William Ruto and World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, gathered to pay their respects.
At 24 years old, Kiptum had participated in only three international marathons, all of which were among the top seven fastest ever recorded. He broke the world record in Chicago in October, finishing in two hours and 35 seconds, beating his fellow Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge’s time by 34 seconds.
During the service, Anglican Bishop Paul Korir highlighted Kiptum’s humility and connection to the local community. Kiptum had previously worked as a livestock herder and trained as an electrician before pursuing a career as a professional runner.
“He dined with the high and mighty, and at the same time, he came to play pool at Chepkorio,” Korir said.
His sudden death has left Kenya and the wider athletics community reeling.
“He was a real superstar whose path was on a spectacular upward trajectory,” said Jack Tuwei, president of Athletics Kenya. “All indications were he was going to beat the two-hour barrier.”
“Fare thee well champ,” was the front-page headline of Kenya’s leading Daily Nation newspaper on Friday.
Kiptum will be laid to rest on Friday in a family plot near Eldoret city. The government is currently constructing a house for his wife and two children at the same location.
His widow, Asenath Cheruto, said she and Kiptum, who had a traditional marriage in 2017, had planned to hold a “colourful wedding ceremony” in April. “You have been the best husband and father to our children,” she said, breaking down into sobs.
Kiptum had aimed to run a marathon in under two hours in Rotterdam in April. He was also set to compete in his first Olympics in Paris this year, potentially facing Kipchoge. Unfortunately, Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana, a 36-year-old Rwandan, lost their lives in a car accident when Kiptum lost control of the vehicle.
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