Kenya bids solemn farewell to marathon sensation Kiptum

A woman reacts after seeing the coffin of Kelvin Kiptum while attending the funeral proceedings of the late marathon runner in Chepkorio on February 23, 2024. – Kenya world-record holding marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum, a prodigy who ran three of the seven fastest marathons in history and was ranked first among the world’s men’s marathon runners, tragically died in a car crash in Kenya on February 11, 2024 at the age of 24, in an accident that shocked the world and plunged the East African nation into mourning. (Photo by LUIS TATO / AFP)

Top athletes and dignitaries joined hundreds of mourners at the funeral on Friday of Kenya’s world marathon record-holder Kelvin Kiptum in the nation’s athletics heartland where he was born, trained and died.

Kiptum, a 24-year-old father of two, was killed in a late-night car crash on February 11, just months after shattering the marathon record in Chicago.

President William Ruto and World Athletics head Sebastian Coe were among those attending the funeral in the Rift Valley village of Chepkorio.

Kiptum’s wife, Asenath Rotich, was overcome with emotion as she read a tearful tribute to the marathon prodigy.

“It’s unbelievable that today I have learnt to stay with our beloved kids without you coming home again,” she said, revealing that the couple had planned to hold a wedding ceremony in April.

“I will still make my vows of love even in your rest.”

Although Kiptum only competed in three marathons, he won all of the races, posting three of the seven fastest times in history for the event.

Coe said his death was “a cause of intense sadness” and eulogised the young athlete for scaling “the highest peaks of achievement” during his short life.

“Rest assured your achievements are treasured, indelible and