Ruto eulogises marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum as tributes pour in

President William Ruto joined the sporting fraternity in eulogising the Marathon World Record holder Kelvin Kiptum who passed away Sunday night in a tragic road accident on the Eldoret-Kaptagat Road.

Ruto hailed Kiptum as a star and arguably 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," he said.

"An extraordinary sportsman has left an extraordinary mark on the globe. Our thoughts are with the family and the sporting fraternity. Rest In Peace."

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said Kiptum was an astounding star who flew the Kenyan flag extremely high, scooping and bringing glory to Kenya and confirming to the world that the country is the source of champions in Athletics.

"His World Record of 2 hrs 35 seconds was just ratified a few days ago making this loss even more painful. At only 24 years old, he was set to push himself even higher during the coming Rotterdam Marathon in April, where he was expected to attempt to run under 2 hours," the DP said.

I join other Kenyans in mourning our Marathon Hero. May God grant the family and friends the grace to bear this huge loss.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga termed the death devastating as he mourned Kiptum describing him as an athletics icon.

"My deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends, and the entire athletics fraternity. Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero," Raila said.

The President of World Athletics Sebastian Coe said the athletic fraternity was shocked and deeply saddened by the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.

"On behalf of all World Athletics, we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates and the Kenyan nation," Coe said.

"It was only earlier this week in Chicago, the place where Kelvin set his extraordinary marathon World Record, that I was able to officially ratify his historic time. An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, and we will miss him dearly."

Devastatingly sickening!! Kenya has lost a special gem. Lost for words.. pic.twitter.com/URgLeeop1t

— Hon Ababu-Namwamba, EGH🇰🇪 (@AbabuNamwamba) February 11, 2024

We are heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Kelvin Kiptum, a rising star in the world of marathon running, alongside his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.

Kelvin was a symbol of resilience, hard work, and the indomitable spirit of the Kenyan people. His dedication to his craft… pic.twitter.com/Va9dMcurqx

— Mama Rachel Ruto, EGH (@MamaRachelRuto) February 12, 2024

My deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and the entire athletics fraternity following the tragic death of Kelvin Kiptum.

Kelvin's passing at only 24 has left a void in the world of marathon running, where he was just beginning to showcase his exceptional talent.… pic.twitter.com/XYLqEa8uhk

— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) February 12, 2024

I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn the passing of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana. My condolences to the families, friends,athletic fraternity and Kenya at large. This is a huge loss. pic.twitter.com/UwZ0FiywSr

— David Rudisha OLY (@rudishadavid) February 12, 2024

It is with a profound sense of sorrow that I have learnt about the untimely passing on of Kelvin Kiptum, following a grisly accident in Eldoret.

Kiptum, at only 24, was already a World Marathon Record Holder, with a whole horizon to conquer.

Our thoughts and prayers are with… pic.twitter.com/E7oEYr4Xrc

— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) February 12, 2024

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula termed the death a tragedy.

"Kelvin Kiptum's rising and shining star has been cruelly truncated through a tragic road accident. As a young new marathon world record holder Kiptum was the obvious heir to the majestic Eliud Kipchoge," he said.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said Kiptum was one of the fastest-rising stars in Kenya and the world's athletics scene.

"His potential was limitless. The news of the untimely passing of Kelvin Kiptum deeply saddens us. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kiptum's family, indeed the larger Athletics family at this most difficult time," he said.

Household name

The Kenyan marathon sensation, hailing from Chepsamo village in Chepkorio, had become a household name after his remarkable achievements in the sport.

Kiptum burst onto the international scene with a bang in December 2022, announcing his arrival with a breathtaking marathon debut in Valencia, where he clocked an astonishing 2:01:53.

Less than a year later, in only his third marathon appearance, he shattered the world record in Chicago with a jaw-dropping time of 2:00:35.

Kenya's Kelvin Kiptum celebrates winning the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon in Chicago, Illinois, in a world record time of two hours and 35 seconds on October 8, 2023. (Photo; KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP)

His outstanding performances continued, clinching victory at the London Marathon earlier that year in a course record of 2:01:25.

These accomplishments led to Kiptum being rightfully crowned the 2023 World Athlete of the Year for men’s out-of-stadia events.

The young prodigy's journey began in Chepsamo, where he worked on his family’s cattle farm. Starting running at the tender age of 13, Kiptum's dedication and passion for the sport quickly became evident.

His humble beginnings saw him participating in local races, eventually winning the Eldoret Half Marathon at the age of 18, just five years after his debut in the event.

Reflecting on his early years, Kiptum once said, "I used to follow local marathon runners on the trails and roads near my village. Running was a part of our everyday life, and I just fell in love with it."

His transition to international competitions was seamless, and he marked his presence by finishing fifth at the Lisbon Half Marathon in 2019 with a time of 59:54. Notably, Kiptum consistently broke the 60-minute barrier for the half marathon on six occasions between 2019 and 2021.

Kiptum's signature move became his ability to accelerate in the latter half of marathons. In both his record-breaking runs in Valencia and Chicago, he strategically increased his pace after the 30km mark, leaving competitors trailing behind.