Kenya's 23-year-old Kiptum rewrites marathon history

Kelvin Kiptum's Chicago heroics last Sunday continued a checkered history of marathon dominance by Kenyan athletes.

Kiptum ran a breathtaking time of 2:00:35 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 holds the London and Valencia marathon titles.

Apart from being crowned the new marathon world record holder, Kiptum was earlier this week feted by the Kenyan Government by being awarded Sh5 million for his exemplary performance in the windy city.

After Kiptum's latest fete, Kenyan athletes now claim 10 out of the 15 fastest Men's Marathon times in history.

Here is a look at the fastest Men’s Marathon times in history;

1. Kelvin Kiptum (Kenyan) 2:00:35 Chicago Marathon - October 8, 2023 (Current World Record)
2. Eliud Kipchoge (Kenyan) 2:01:09 Berlin Marathon – September 25, 2022
3. Kenenisa Bekele (Ethiopian) 2:01:41 Berlin Marathon – September 29, 2019
4. Birhanu Legese (Ethiopian) 2:02:48 Berlin Marathon – September 29, 2019
5. Mosinet Geremew (Ethiopian) 2:02:55 London Marathon – April 28, 2019
6. Dennis Kimetto (Kenyan) 2:02:57 Berlin Marathon – September 28, 2014
7. Titus Ekiru (Kenyan) 2:02:57 Milano Marathon – May 16, 2021
8. Evans Chebet (Kenyan) 2:03:00 Valencia Marathon – December 6, 2020
9. Gabriel Geay (Tanzanian) 2:03:00 Valencia Marathon – December 4, 2022
10. Lawrence Cherono (Kenyan) 2:03:04 Valencia Marathon – December 6, 2020
11. Emmanuel Mutai (Kenyan) 2:03:13 Berlin Marathon – September 28, 2014
12. Wilson Kipsang (Kenyan) 2:03:13 Berlin Marathon – September 25, 2016
13. Amos Kipruto (Kenyan) 2:03:13 Tokyo Marathon – March 6, 2022
14. Vincent Kipkemoi (Kenyan) 2:03:13 Berlin Marathon – September 24, 2023
15. Mule Wasihun (Ethiopian) 2:03:16 London Marathon – April 28, 2019

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