The world remains in shock and sorrow. Today, we bid farewell to Mr. Kelvin Kiptum, a world record holder, and renowned long-distance runner. His life was tragically cut short in a fatal car accident on the Eldoret-Kaptagat road in Kenya a few days ago. This incident not only claimed the life of Mr. Kiptum but also other valiant Kenyans.
Born on December 2, 1999, Kiptum made history as the Marathon World Record holder, achieving a remarkable time of 2:00:35—the only person to run a marathon under 2:01:00 in a record-eligible race. His feats include three of the top six fastest marathons ever run, an outstanding debut at the 2022 Valencia Marathon, and a victory at the 2023 London Marathon. His legacy as an athlete was marked by breaking barriers and setting records.
Kiptum's untimely departure is a worrisome trend, prompting a call for action to combat and address such fatal accidents. His impact extended beyond the track, embodying the belief that all things are possible, and the sky is the limit.
In the wake of his passing, the Kenyan Government swiftly responded, constructing a modern house for his grieving family within a week. Additionally, they pledged financial support of Ksh 5 Million, offered a deserving job to his widow, and committed to building an improved home for the family.
Today, Mr. Kiptum's soul finds rest at his rural home. Rest in peace, hero! Your inspiration will be sorely missed, especially by the youth generation you profoundly influenced.