Year-in-Review: Kelvin Kiptum’s legacy and the world he left behind

The sudden death of world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum remains a haunting memory for the global athletics community for the year 2024.

His demise in a tragic road accident on February 11 shocked the world and prematurely ended the dream of an Olympic debut that many had anticipated with great excitement.

At only 24 years old, Kiptum had already etched his name in history as one of the greatest marathoners ever.

He broke Eliud Kipchoge’s revered marathon record with a breathtaking time of 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon in October 2023.

Kiptum won all three marathons he ran between December 2022 and October 2023, including two top-tier World Marathon Majors (WMM).

His times were among the seven fastest in marathon history, with each race setting a course record of under 2 hours and 2 minutes.

His rise began at the 2022 Valencia Marathon, where he ran the fastest-ever marathon debut, becoming only the third man in history to break two hours and two minutes.

His 2:01:53 finish set the fourth-fastest time ever recorded at the time. Four months later, Kiptum stunned the world again at the 2023 London Marathon, clocking 2:01:25 - the second-fastest marathon in history, just 16 seconds shy of the world record.

A Promising Career Cut Short

Kiptum’s untimely passing, alongside his Rwandan coach Gervais Hazikimana, occurred just days after his world record was ratified by World Athletics.

His achievements in such a short time had already cemented his status as a generational talent poised to dominate the sport for years.

Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, described Kiptum’s death as “one of the saddest days in the history of this great country.” In his eulogy, he said, “Kelvin would have written more epic chapters in the illustrious history of Kenyan and world athletics.”

President William Ruto echoed these sentiments, calling Kiptum “a hero” whose disciplined and determined spirit would inspire generations. "In his death, our hero Kelvin Kiptum is speaking to us.

That it pays to be determined, disciplined, and focused. May his soul Rest In Eternal Peace," he said.

Julius Yego, Rio 2016 Olympic javelin silver medalist, shared a reflective sentiment about Kiptum’s untimely passing. “It’s sad that Kiptum never lived to enjoy his exploits,” Yego said, highlighting the profound loss the Kenyan sports fraternity continues to feel.

A Family’s Loss

For Kiptum’s wife, Asenath Rotich, the loss was deeply personal. In a tearful tribute, she said, “My dear love, I can't learn how to say goodbye to you with weak fingers and pain in my heart. I will miss you, the love of my life, forever. But I promise to gather my strength for the sake of our children and make them smile in your honor.”

Athletes who gathered at Kiptum’s funeral vowed to carry forward his legacy. Benson Kipruto, a close friend and fellow marathoner, shared his thoughts before the Paris Olympics.

“I will be running in honor of Kiptum. He was a great friend of mine, and we were looking forward to the Olympics together. As a country, it would be so much of an honor for us if we ensure that we win the Olympics title in his memory,” Kipruto said.

As his family, friends, and fans continue to mourn his loss, one truth remains: Kiptum was more than a champion; he was a symbol of hope, resilience, and excellence. 

Even in death, Kelvin Kiptum’s story continues to inspire a nation and the world.