Marathon World Record holder Kelvin Kiptum died shortly after making history, and today, Friday February 23, his body will be committed to mother earth.
On Thursday, February 22, hundreds of Kenyans and fans of the athlete paid their last respects as his remains arrived and settled in his home village for final interment.
Kiptum died in a tragic auto crash alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana on Sunday, February 11 after their car lost control and rammed into a tree.
The 24-year-old athlete who was evidently the next big thing in global marathon, died just after his title was officially confirmed.
Last week, Kenya’s President William Ruto sent experts to build a three-bedroom apartment at Kiptum’s place, as part of honouring his dream of building a home for his family, and the government’s fulfillment of giving him a “heroic farewell”.
The marathon star left behind a young wife, a 7-year-old son, and a six-year old daughter.
His father held tightly to the little boy as mourners moved around paying their last respects to the deceased history maker.
Kiptum set an all time world record at the Chicago Marathon in October in two hours and 35 seconds last year 2023.
The Record Holder’s deceased coach Hakizimana was buried on Wednesday in his native Rwanda. Hakizimana’s autopsy report was rejected by his family, who said it did not corroborate with what they witnessed at the accident scene.
May the soul of Kelvin Kiptum, and his coach Gervais Hakizimana rest in peace.
(Pictures) Tears as Kelvin Kiptum begins his final journey home.
