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World record marathoner Kelvin Kiptum to be laid to rest

Kenyan athlete Kelvin Kiptum, the Chicago Marathon record holder, attends a press conference in Nairobi on October 10, 2023. (Photo: Tony Karumba/ AFP)

By Lucy Mumbi | Friday, February 23, 2024

Kiptum died on February 11, 2024, after he lost control while driving his Toyota Premio from Eldoret towards Ravine.

24-year-old world record marathoner Kelvin Kiptum will be laid to rest on Friday in Naiberi, near the western Kenyan town of Eldoret in Rift Valley.

Kiptum died on February 11, 2024, after he lost control while driving his Toyota Premio from Eldoret towards Ravine.

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Upon reaching the Kaptagat Forest area, on the Eldoret -Ravine road, he lost control and veered off-road landing in a ditch on his left side.

The car had two passengers - his 37-year-old Rwandan coach Gervais Hakizimana and 24-year-old Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei Keiyo. However, Chepkurui survived the accident.

President William Ruto, World Athletics head Sebastian Coe and other leaders are expected to be among the mourners at the funeral in the Rift Valley where Kiptum was born, trained and died.

Ruto described Kiptum as an extraordinary sportsman who has left an extraordinary mark on the globe.

He termed Kiptum as a star and one of the world’s finest sportsmen who broke barriers to secure a marathon record.

“He was only 24 yet, as a hero, triumphed in Valencia, Chicago, London and other top competitions. His mental strength and discipline were unmatched. Kiptum was our future. Our thoughts are with the family and the sporting fraternity. Rest in Peace,” he said.

The government will also hand over the newly constructed three-bedroom house to Kiptum’s family.

The house located at his four-acre Naiberi farm in Uasin Gishu some 20 kilometres from Eldoret town, was built in a record of six days following an order by Ruto.

The fully furnished house was built using modern precast concrete and light gauge steel technology.

Precast concrete wall panels are said to be a cost-effective alternative to the brick-and-mortar walling system. Construction using the technology is also fast and does not require as much labour.

The father of two died just months after shattering the marathon record in Chicago in October, stunning the world of athletics.

He ran the distance in two hours and 35 seconds, slicing 34 seconds off the previous fastest time, set by his Kenyan rival, Eliud Kipchoge.

According to autopsy results done by government pathologist Johansen Oduor, Kiptum died from severe head injuries.

Oduor said the examination of the body revealed that Kiptum suffered severe injuries and fractures on his head.

He said the fractures were on the skull, and ribs and also affected his lungs.

On Thursday evening, a candle-lighting ceremony was held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in honour of the world marathon record holder.

During the solemn ceremony, friends and the public at large gathered to celebrate and pay their last respects to Kiptum's life and achievements.