Kenyan marathon world record holder Kiptum given state send-off
World marathon record holder, Kelvin Kiptum received a State funeral led by Kenyan president, William Ruto and athletics glitterati on Friday.
Ruto led hundreds of mourners gathered at the ASK Showground in Chepkorio-Elgeyo Marakwet County to pay glowing tributes to the fallen marathon hero.
Kiptum was celebrated as a dedicated and hardworking athlete who rose from obscurity to conquer the world.
“He had transcended the borders of his village, his county, and his country” said President Ruto. “The whole world has united because of this young man Kelvin. “We come as friends, family, and leaders to condole the family for the demise of this great Kenyan and world beater.”
Kiptum, 24, and his Rwandan coach, 37-year-old Gervais Hakizimana, died in a road accident in Kaptagat on February 11 as they were driving from Eldoret to their camp.
The tragedy triggered an outpouring of grief from around the world, with President Ruto calling on the athletics fraternity to take precautions.
“We all need to be mindful of our lifestyles so that we can avoid scenarios like this where a young Kenyan has lost his life. We should do more so that we mentor these young athletes to become great sportsmen. Older sportsmen should do more to assist the younger ones to assist them to be better athletes and Kenyans. We shall do our part,” the country’s leader noted.
Ruto promised three stadiums – Eldoret, Kamariny, and Chepkorio—would be refurbished to give athletes from the region training facilities from the Consolidated Sports Fund.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, Nike Vice-President Brett Holts, Golazo Sports CEO, Bob Veerbeck, and fellow athletes David Rudisha, Faith Kipyegon, Mary Moraa, Ezekiel Kemboi were among those in attendance.
“It’s one of the saddest days in the history of this country. It’s a celebration suffused in frustration because Kelvin would have written more chapters in the history of athletics, this I know. Kelvin you will be missed. Our grief and sadness will take time to dissipate,” Coe told the mourners.
“Kiptum was a generational athlete. He taught us humility and hard work are the recipes for success. After winning in Chicago, I remember him telling me, I’m yet to feel any pain in a marathon,” Holts said.
The Nike boss was famously pictured hugging Kiptum tightly just after the finish when the late athlete ran 2:00:35 to obliterate the previous world record by 34 seconds last October.
Tanzanian marathoner Gabriel Gaey who finished second to Kiptum in his breakout marathon victory in Valencia where he ran 2:01:53 in December 2022 gave a moving testimony.
A poignant moment during the service saw all the athletes present kneel for special prayers.
They then moved to the catafalque containing Kiptum’s open casket with petals in their hands before pouring the flowers to their departed colleague.
“A world record holder who never lived to enjoy his exploits. It was barely a week after you ratified his world record, 2016 Rio Olympics silver medallist, Julius Yego said.
Kiptum leaves behind his widow, Cheruto, and two children — son Caleb and daughter Precious.
“I’ll miss you and the love of my life forever. I promise to stand strong for our children. I’ll make them smile in your honour,” the distraught widow told mourners.
Story by Mutwiri Mutuota, CGTN Africa Sports Line Producer
