The 24-year-old set the world record in Chicago in October, but died in a car accident this month.
Marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum, whose dreams of breaking the two-hour race barrier ended in a fatal road accident this month, was remembered for his talent and humility at his funeral in western Kenya.
A memorial service in his hometown of Chepkorio in the Rift Valley on Friday was attended by hundreds of mourners, including political and sporting dignitaries such as President William Ruto and World Athletics President Sebastian Coe. did.
Kiptum, 24, had only competed in three international marathons, but they were among the seven fastest times ever recorded. He set a world record of 2 hours 35 seconds at the Chicago Games in October, beating his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge's record by 34 seconds.
Anglican Bishop Paul Collier, who presided over the service, emphasized Kiptum's humility and ties to the local community. Before becoming a professional runner, Kiptum worked as a livestock keeper and trained as an electrician.
“He ate with great people and at the same time came to Chepkorio to play billiards,” Korir said.
His sudden death has shaken Kenya and the wider athletics community.
Athletics Kenya president Jack Twei said: “He is a true superstar and has had an incredible upward trajectory.” “All signs were that he was going to break the two-hour barrier.”
On Friday, the front page headline of Kenya's leading daily, the Daily Nation, read “Farewell, Champion.”
Mourners began arriving at the funeral at dawn, including 1,500m record holder Faith Kipyegon, some wearing black T-shirts with Kiptum's photo on the front. They watched as a body in a half-open coffin was laid out on a red carpet as a choir sang religious songs.
Four giant screens streamed the service to the many villagers gathered outside the venue.
Kiptam is scheduled to be buried late Friday at a family plot near the city of Eldoret, where the government is currently building a house for his wife and two children.
His widow, Asenath Certo, said she and Kiptam, who married traditionally in 2017, had planned to have a “glamorous wedding” in April. “You were the best husband and father to our children,” she said, breaking down in tears.
Kiptum is hoping to break two hours in the marathon in Rotterdam in April and was also expected to make his Olympic debut in what could be his first head-to-head match with Kipchoge in Paris this year. . He and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, a 36-year-old Rwandan, lost control of the car the runner was driving and died.
