Kenya's marathon sensation Kiptum shortlisted for World Athlete of the Year Award

Kenya's marathon sensation Kelvin Kiptum has made the shortlist for this year's Men’s World Athlete of the Year honours.

Kiptum last month etched himself in the history books after running a breathtaking time of 2:00:35 in Chicago to smash the world record previously held by his Kenyan compatriot Eliud Kipchoge who clocked 2:00:35 during the Berlin marathon last year.

The 23-year-old who hails from the "Home of Champions" Elgeyo Marakwet County, also currently holds the London and Valencia marathon titles.

Kiptum will fight it out for the prestigious award against Swedish pole vault world record holder Mondo Duplantis, India's javelin world champion Neeraj Chopra, America's shot put world record holder Ryan Crouser and American double world champion sprinter Noah Lyles.

"The five athletes, who represent four countries from four area associations, have achieved sensational performances across a range of athletics disciplines in 2023, winning titles and breaking world records at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23, one-day meeting circuits, Label road races and other events around the world," the World Athletics said in a statement on Tuesday.

Kiptum now joins Kenyan compatriot and fellow world record holder Faith Kipyegon who was shortlisted for the 2023 Female World Athlete of the Year award.

Kelvin Kiptum of Kenya celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the 2023 Chicago Marathon professional men's division and set a world record marathon time of 2:00.35 on 8 October 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves /Getty Images via AFP)

Kipyegon is up against world marathon record holder Tigist Assefa of Ethiopia, world 400m hurdles champion Femke Bol of the Netherlands, world 200m champion Shericka Jackson of Jamaica, and world triple jump champion Yulimar Rojas of Venezuela.

The World Athletes of the Year will be announced on World Athletics’ platforms on 11 December, as part of the World Athletics Awards 2023.