On Friday, family, friends, and the athletics community bid a final farewell to Kelvin Kiptum, the Kenyan marathon world record holder who tragically lost his life in a car crash last Sunday.

Mourners gathered at Chepkoriro Show Ground to pay their respects, forming queues to pass by Kiptum’s casket and sign a memorial book. The funeral service was a poignant moment for those who knew and admired the promising athlete.

Faith Kipyegon, the current world record holder for the 1500 meters, shared her memories of Kiptum, expressing the deep impact of his sudden departure. She recalled their meeting in Monaco and the joy they shared, emphasizing the void his absence has left in her heart.

Kelvin Kiptum and his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana, lost their lives in a tragic crash near Kaptagat in western Kenya, a region renowned as a high-altitude training base for elite distance runners. Kiptum’s untimely death comes after he broke the world record in only his third appearance in an elite marathon, a remarkable achievement recognized by World Athletics just last week.

Catherine Ndereva, a former marathoner, expressed the profound loss, noting that although Kiptum won’t physically be present at future events, he will forever be remembered in their hearts.

Kenyan President William Ruto and Sebastian Coe, President of the International Association of Athletics Federation, were present at the funeral service to pay their respects.

The final resting place for the men’s marathon world record holder is his farm in Naiberi, approximately 20km from Eldoret. The athletics world mourns the loss of a promising talent and pays tribute to Kelvin Kiptum’s contributions to the sport.